Hydrogen Peroxide H₂O₂ Complete Guide — 35%-50%, UN 2014, Fenton & Bleaching

H₂O₂ Complete Guide — Concentration, UN 2014 & Industrial Applications

TL;DR: Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, CAS 7722-84-1) is a strong oxidizing agent that decomposes into H₂O + O₂ leaving no toxic residue. Loc Thien supplies H₂O₂ at 35%–50% concentration, UN 2014, with lot-specific CoA/MSDS, delivered nationwide via a fleet of specialized tanker trucks. Key applications: Fenton reaction for COD treatment, chlorine-free textile/paper bleaching, food sterilization. Hotline 0979 891 929.

What is H₂O₂ (Hydrogen Peroxide)?

Hydrogen peroxide (chemical formula H₂O₂, molecular weight 34.01 g/mol, CAS 7722-84-1) is an inorganic oxidizing agent — a colorless liquid with a slight characteristic odor, completely soluble in water. The unique property of H₂O₂ is that it decomposes biologically into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂), leaving no toxic chemical residues in the environment. This is why H₂O₂ is chosen as a replacement for Cl₂ and NaOCl in applications requiring high safety: food bleaching, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment that produces no chlorine sludge.

In industry, H₂O₂ is primarily produced via the anthraquinone process (AO process), with global output of approximately 5.5 million tons/year. Common commercial concentrations: 27.5%, 35%, 50%, and 60%. In Vietnam, Loc Thien supplies H₂O₂ at 35%–50% concentration from official import sources: South Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Taiwan. Each batch comes with lot-specific CoA certification and 16-section GHS-compliant MSDS under Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT, meeting safety standards for textile dyeing, paper, food, and wastewater treatment plants.

UN 2014 & GHS Classification — Significance in Transport

H₂O₂ at 20%–60% concentration is classified as UN 2014, Class 5.1 (oxidizing substance) + Class 8 (corrosive substance), Packing Group II. This UN number applies to hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution — distinct from UN 2015 (H₂O₂ >60%, unstable) used for very high concentrations in rocket fuel and specialty applications.

Under GHS (Globally Harmonized System), H₂O₂ 35%–50% carries 3 pictograms:

• GHS03 (flame over circle) — oxidizing substance
• GHS05 (corrosion) — skin burns, serious eye damage
• GHS07 (exclamation mark) — skin, eye, respiratory irritation

Signal word: DANGER. Exothermic decomposition when in contact with heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Mn), strong alkalis, or organic impurities — can cause a runaway reaction and explosion if stored in a sealed container. H₂O₂ transport requires specialized vehicles with compatible material tanks (HDPE, 99.5%+ aluminum, or passivated 316L stainless steel), pressure relief valves, and UN 2014 hazard placards. Loc Thien operates a fleet of specialized tanker trucks with full permits for Class 5.1 + 8 hazardous chemical transport.

Detailed Technical Specifications — Lot CoA

H₂O₂ supplied by Loc Thien is certified with lot-specific CoA. Below are specifications from the official 2026 Loc Thien MSDS (revised 15/09/2026, under Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT) for the INTEROX ST 50 (Solvay) product:

Specific gravity: 1.196–1.198 kg/m³ (≈1.196–1.198 g/cm³) @ 20°C — original data from MSDS, not rounded. pH < 1 at 20°C — 50% H₂O₂ has much stronger acidity than commonly understood, due to inorganic acid stabilizers added to prevent decomposition. Melting point: −33°C — H₂O₂ does not freeze under Vietnamese climate conditions, no storage heating required unlike 98% H₂SO₄.

H₂O₂ content: 35–50% ±1% per company convention — this is the standard concentration range on the MSDS. Specific batches will have an exact assay % on the CoA. Inorganic acid stabilizers maintain pH < 1, inhibiting decomposition caused by trace metals and impurities.

Source: MSDS Hydrogen Peroxide 35–50%, Loc Thien Company, revised 15/09/2026 per Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT. Lot-specific CoA provided upon delivery — contact 0979 891 929 for a sample CoA.

H₂O₂ Concentration Comparison — Choosing the Right Concentration

Each H₂O₂ concentration has different specific gravity, decomposition rate, and transport costs, directly impacting plant selection. H₂O₂ 50% (specific gravity 1.196 g/cm³) contains 500 kg of pure H₂O₂ per ton of product — lowest logistics cost, but higher decomposition rates require stricter warehouse temperature control. H₂O₂ 35% (specific gravity 1.132 g/cm³) is more stable in storage, safer to handle, but transport cost per kg of pure H₂O₂ is ~43% higher (due to carrying 150 kg more water per ton).

Boiling point and vapor pressure also differ: H₂O₂ 50% boils at ~150°C, while H₂O₂ 35% boils at ~108°C — close to water. This matters for plants using H₂O₂ at elevated temperatures (e.g., pulp bleaching at 80–90°C) because H₂O₂ 35% evaporates faster, reducing efficiency.

Source: Loc Thien MSDS 2026 (50%) + industry reference (35%). 50% specific gravity from original MSDS — not rounded.

Concentration selection depends on storage infrastructure, application purpose, and safety requirements. Industrial wastewater treatment plants typically choose H₂O₂ 50% for cost optimization. Food and pharmaceutical plants choose 35% for safety and QCVN 01:2009/BYT compliance.

Industrial Applications of H₂O₂ (6+ Industries)

H₂O₂ is a versatile oxidizing agent present across industries from heavy to high-purity.

Wastewater Treatment: The most important application of H₂O₂ in heavy industry. H₂O₂ 50% is used in the Fenton reaction (H₂O₂ + Fe²⁺ → ·OH) to oxidize refractory organic compounds (hard COD, color, phenol, pesticides) in textile dyeing, chemical, and electroplating wastewater. Dosage: 50–200 mg/L H₂O₂ 50% depending on input COD, H₂O₂:Fe²⁺ ratio typically 1:2 to 1:5 (molar). Additionally, H₂O₂ is used for cyanide removal in electroplating wastewater and sulfide oxidation in tannery wastewater.

Pulp Bleaching: H₂O₂ 35–50% replaces Cl₂ in ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) bleaching processes — mandatory standards for paper mills exporting to the EU and Japan. Operates at pH 10.5–11.5, temperature 80–90°C, retention time 2–4 hours. H₂O₂ oxidizes chromophore groups in lignin without forming dioxins — byproducts are only water and oxygen.

Textile Dyeing: H₂O₂ 35–50% is the primary bleaching agent for cotton and blended fabrics before dyeing. Bleaching conditions: pH 10.5–11 (using NaOH or Na₂SiO₃ as buffer), temperature 90–95°C, H₂O₂ 2–5% owf (on weight of fabric), time 45–60 minutes. H₂O₂ produces no AOX (adsorbable organic halogens) — a mandatory criterion under ZDHC MRSL V3.1 for export textile mills.

Food & Beverage: Food-grade H₂O₂ ≤35%, compliant with QCVN 01:2009/BYT and FDA 21 CFR 184.1366. Used for aseptic packaging sterilization (Tetrapak), dairy and brewery equipment; residual after treatment <0.1 mg/kg. H₂O₂ decomposes completely into water and oxygen at sterilization temperature — leaving no chemical residue.

Electronics & Semiconductors: Ultra-high-purity H₂O₂ 30–35% (ppt grade) used in the RCA clean process — cleaning silicon wafer surfaces before lithography. SC-1 mixture (NH₄OH:H₂O₂:H₂O = 1:1:5) removes particles and organic contaminants; SC-2 (HCl:H₂O₂:H₂O = 1:1:6) removes heavy metals. Metal impurity content <10 ppt — a requirement 1 million times stricter than technical grade.

Medical & Pharmaceutical: H₂O₂ 3–6% (diluted from 35%) used as wound antiseptic and mouthwash. H₂O₂ 35% technical grade is the raw material for producing other peroxy compounds: sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach), sodium perborate, and benzoyl peroxide (acne treatment).

Related: See FeCl₂ (Ferrous Chloride) 30% — Wastewater Treatment for combining Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ in the Fenton reaction. Or see NaOH Liquid Caustic Soda 50% — the pH adjustment chemical for H₂O₂ bleaching processes.

Fenton Reaction — H₂O₂ + FeCl₂ for Refractory COD Treatment

The Fenton reaction is the most powerful application of H₂O₂ in industrial wastewater treatment. Mechanism: H₂O₂ reacts with Fe²⁺ ions to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH) — the second strongest oxidizing agent after fluorine (E° = 2.80 V) — capable of breaking down persistent organic compounds that conventional biological and coagulation processes cannot treat.

Core reaction: Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ → Fe³⁺ + OH⁻ + ·OH

·OH radicals react non-selectively with most organic compounds (reaction rate k = 10⁸–10¹⁰ M⁻¹s⁻¹), oxidizing them into CO₂, H₂O, and inorganic byproducts. Key operating parameters:

• Optimal pH: 2.5–4.0 (higher pH → Fe²⁺ precipitates as Fe(OH)₂; lower pH → H₂O₂ is more stable, reaction slows)
• H₂O₂:Fe²⁺ ratio: 1:2 to 1:5 mol/mol depending on wastewater type — determined by jar test
• Reference H₂O₂ 50% dosage: 0.5–5 mL/L wastewater (~50–500 mg/L pure H₂O₂)
• Efficiency: 60–90% COD reduction, 80–99% color removal in textile dyeing wastewater

At Loc Thien, H₂O₂ 50% and FeCl₂ 30% are supplied together — plants don't need to source from two separate suppliers. Loc Thien technicians support jar testing to determine the optimal Fe²⁺:H₂O₂ ratio for each specific wastewater type.

Case study: A textile dyeing mill in Song Than Industrial Park, flow rate 500 m³/day, input COD 800–1200 mg/L. After PAC coagulation, COD reduced to 400–600 mg/L. Fenton treatment with FeCl₂ 28% (3.2 mL/L) + H₂O₂ 50% (1.5 mL/L) at pH 3.5 — output COD 80–120 mg/L, color removal >95%, meeting QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT (replacing QCVN 40:2011, effective September 1, 2025) Column A.

H₂O₂ vs NaOCl — Why Choose Chlorine-Free Bleaching?

In the bleaching industry, H₂O₂ and NaOCl (Javel water) are two common choices — but they differ fundamentally in chemistry, safety, and environmental impact.

When to choose H₂O₂: Applications requiring chlorine-free processing (food, pharmaceuticals, export paper, export textile). When the final product must not contain AOX/THM residues.

When to choose NaOCl: Potable water disinfection, domestic wastewater treatment — where low cost is the priority and chlorine residues can be managed. Domestic paper mills not requiring ECF.

Trend: Textile dyeing and paper mills exporting to the EU, Japan, and the US are shifting strongly from NaOCl to H₂O₂ to more easily meet the AOX controls of programs such as ZDHC, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS — H₂O₂ produces no AOX, requires no dechlorination step, and simplifies wastewater treatment processes.

Safety & Storage of H₂O₂

H₂O₂ at ≥35% concentration is a strong oxidizing chemical requiring stringent safety procedures. Rule number one: avoid all contaminants — heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr), dirt, organic materials — as they catalyze exothermic H₂O₂ decomposition, which can lead to a runaway reaction in a sealed container.

Mandatory PPE: chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene), PVC apron, rubber boots. If H₂O₂ contacts skin: flush continuously with clean water for ≥15 minutes — H₂O₂ burns appear slowly (30–60 minutes after contact) and are persistently painful.

Storage: Tanks made of HDPE, 99.5%+ aluminum (aluminum forms a protective passivated Al₂O₃ layer), or 316L stainless steel. Tanks must have pressure relief vents — H₂O₂ slowly decomposes producing O₂; sealed containers will pressurize and explode. Storage temperature <35°C — every 10°C rise increases decomposition rate ~2.2×. Avoid direct sunlight as UV catalyzes decomposition.

Incompatibilities: Do not mix H₂O₂ with strong alkalis (NaOH, KOH) — neutralization generates heat and rapidly decomposes H₂O₂. Do not mix with reducing agents (Na₂S₂O₄, Na₂SO₃) — violent redox reaction. Do not mix with organic solvents (acetone, ethanol) — may form explosive organic peroxides.

Spill response: Isolate the area. Use water spray to dilute H₂O₂ — do not use sawdust, rags, or combustible organic materials (H₂O₂ may spontaneously ignite on contact). Neutralize slowly with Na₂SO₃ or Na₂S₂O₃ if needed.

Quotation for H₂O₂ at Loc Thien

Loc Thien supplies H₂O₂ at 35%–50% concentration, imported from South Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Taiwan. Flexible packaging: 30–35 kg cans, drums, 1000L IBC totes. Every batch comes with CoA and 2026 MSDS (per Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT), traceable by lot number. Loc Thien technicians advise on concentration and optimal Fe²⁺:H₂O₂ ratio for Fenton reactions — helping plants save on chemicals and meet discharge standards. A fleet of specialized tanker trucks and 6 warehouses nationwide ensure uninterrupted bulk supply; Southern industrial parks are served within 24–48 hours. Hotline 0979 891 929 — quotation within 15 minutes.

🛒 Need industrial H₂O₂?

• H₂O₂ 50% South Korea — 35kg can, CoA/MSDS
• H₂O₂ 50% Thailand — 35kg can, CoA/MSDS
• H₂O₂ 50% Bangladesh — 35kg can, CoA/MSDS
• H₂O₂ 50% Taiwan — 35kg can, CoA/MSDS
• H₂O₂ 50% Industrial — quotation per lot
• FeCl₂ 30% — Fenton combination with H₂O₂

Deep Dive into H₂O₂

This hub links to the full library of in-depth articles on H₂O₂ and related chemicals at Loc Thien Chemical.

🔬 H₂O₂ in Wastewater Treatment

• Fenton Reaction — H₂O₂ + FeCl₂ for Refractory COD Treatment
• FeCl₂ 30% — Technical Specifications

🏭 Industry Applications

• H₂O₂ in Textile Bleaching — Comparison with NaOCl
• Most Common Textile Chemicals Catalog

🔗 Cross-Hub

• H₂O₂ vs NaOCl (Javel) in Industrial Bleaching
• What is ZDHC? — ZDHC Implementation for Textile Mills
• NaOH 50% — pH Adjustment for H₂O₂ Bleaching

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is H₂O₂ 50% dangerous?

H₂O₂ 50% is a strong oxidizing agent that causes skin burns and serious eye damage upon contact. Full PPE required: chemical splash goggles, butyl rubber gloves, PVC apron. Avoid contact with metals and organic impurities which catalyze violent exothermic decomposition. A complete 16-section MSDS 2026 (per Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT) is provided with each batch.

What is the UN number of H₂O₂?

UN 2014 (hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, 20–60% concentration). Class 5.1 (oxidizing substance) + Class 8 (corrosive substance), Packing Group II. Distinct from UN 2015 for H₂O₂ >60%.

How are H₂O₂ and NaOCl (Javel) different?

H₂O₂ oxidizes via active O₂, with non-toxic H₂O + O₂ byproducts. NaOCl chlorinates, producing AOX and THM — suspected carcinogens. H₂O₂ pH 1–4.5, NaOCl pH ~13. H₂O₂ is chosen for food, pharmaceuticals, export paper/textile. NaOCl is usually cheaper but produces AOX, so AOX/THM in wastewater must be controlled, and it does not suit ECF/TCF processes.

What is the H₂O₂:Fe²⁺ ratio in the Fenton reaction?

The molar H₂O₂:Fe²⁺ ratio is typically 1:2 to 1:5, depending on wastewater type. Exact ratio is determined by jar test. Loc Thien supplies H₂O₂ 50% and FeCl₂ 30% together, with technicians providing jar test support. Contact 0979 891 929.

How long can H₂O₂ 50% be stored?

At temperature <35°C, away from light, in HDPE/passivated aluminum tanks — H₂O₂ 50% loses <1% concentration/month. Decomposition rate increases ~2.2× for every 10°C temperature rise. Always use pressure relief vents on storage tanks. Loc Thien delivers with CoA showing the concentration at time of dispatch.

Can H₂O₂ be used in food?

Yes. H₂O₂ ≤35% food grade complies with FDA 21 CFR 184.1366 and QCVN 01:2009/BYT. Used for aseptic packaging sterilization (Tetrapak), dairy/brewery equipment. Decomposes completely at sterilization temperature, leaving no residue. Iron content ≤0.3 ppm, free acid ≤0.03%.

H₂O₂ 35% vs 50% — which concentration to choose?

Wastewater treatment plants, paper bleaching: choose 50% for optimized logistics cost. Food, pharmaceutical plants: choose 35% for better safety and regulatory compliance. Loc Thien provides free consultation based on your storage infrastructure and application needs — call 0979 891 929.

Where to buy H₂O₂ 50% at a good price with CoA/MSDS?

Loc Thien — official imports from South Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, Taiwan. Lot-specific CoA/MSDS, delivery to industrial parks nationwide via 6 warehouses and a fleet of specialized tanker trucks. Hotline 0979 891 929 — quotation within 15 minutes.

See also: Water Treatment Chemicals — Full Catalog and FeCl₂ 30% — Cr⁶⁺ Reductant & Fenton Catalyst. Browse the complete H₂O₂ product catalog.

Article by Lan (Content Writer). Quality review: Technical Specialist Phan Cam Thuy — Loc Thien QC Department. Approved by: Vo Thi Nhu Hoa.

Updated: 16/09/2026 — Data referenced from MSDS 2026 (Circular 01/2026/TT-BCT). Actual batch CoA may vary — refer to the specific lot CoA upon delivery.

📖 Further reading:

• FeCl₂ 30% — Technical Specifications — CAS 7758-94-3
• Javel NaOCl 10–12% — Comparison with H₂O₂ — Bleaching & disinfection
• NaOH 50% — pH Adjustment for H₂O₂ Bleaching — CAS 1310-73-2
• What is ZDHC? — Implementation for Textile Mills — Checklist & chemicals
• Textile Chemicals Catalog — Complete textile chemical range
• Buy H₂O₂ 50% — Quotation in 15 minutes — Lot CoA/MSDS

Industrial Field Operation & Batch Quality Verification

1. Incoming Batch COA Verification & Regulatory Compliance (Law on Chemicals 69/2025/QH15)

When operating industrial water treatment, surface finishing, or textile dyeing lines in Vietnam, engineering teams must verify every chemical delivery against its batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) and 16-section GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Under the Vietnam Law on Chemicals No. 69/2025/QH15, Decrees 24/2026/ND-CP, 25/2026/ND-CP, and 26/2026/ND-CP, and QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT on industrial wastewater discharge:

• Specific Gravity & Assay Verification: Upon arrival of a 5–30-ton tanker or IBC tote shipment, plant QA technicians measure specific gravity at 20 °C using a calibrated hydrometer and cross-check active concentration against the batch COA issued by Loc Thien Chemical and verified via Quatest 3 (ISO/IEC 17025).
• Impurity & Heavy Metal Control: Trace heavy metals (Fe, Pb, As, Hg, Cd, Cr⁶⁺) and insoluble matter are strictly controlled to prevent catalyst poisoning in Fenton reactors, membrane fouling in RO/UF systems, or shade deviations in reactive textile dyeing.
• ZDHC MRSL v3.1 Level 1 Portfolio Boundary: For export-oriented textile and footwear FDI factories, Loc Thien Chemical maintains official ZDHC MRSL v3.1 Conformance Level 1 documentation for exactly 9 core products: four products certified by TUV SUD Product Service GmbH (NaOH, H2O2, Na2SO4, Na2CO3) and five products verified via Conformance Summary Report (CSR) and Analytical Test Report by TUV Rheinland Vietnam (H2SO4, FeCl2, HCl, Javel/NaOCl, PAC 31%).

2. Dosing Optimization, Storage Materials & Preventive Maintenance

1. Compatible Wetted Materials: Use cross-linked high-density polyethylene (XLPE / HDPE), polypropylene (PP-H), fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP with vinyl ester resin), or PTFE/PVDF-lined piping depending on corrosive and thermal conditions. Avoid unlined carbon steel or incompatible elastomers.
2. Automated Dosing Control: Integrate diaphragm metering pumps with real-time pH, ORP (mV), turbidity, or conductivity sensors. Always perform a 5-beaker Jar Test whenever raw water COD, TSS, or alkalinity shifts by more than 15%.
3. Secondary Containment & PPE: Storage tanks must sit inside an acid/alkali-resistant bund wall holding at least 110% of the largest tank volume. Operators handling unloading hoses must wear splash-proof chemical goggles, acid/alkali-resistant nitrile or neoprene gloves, face shields, and emergency respirators.

3. Multi-Role B2B Value Matrix (Procurement · QA/EHS Engineer · Plant Director)

• For Procurement Managers: Loc Thien Chemical is the direct manufacturer of FeCl2 30% solution and FeCl3 38–40% wastewater grade (3,000+ tons/month capacity), and a Tier-1 bulk commercial supplier of NaOH, HCl, H2SO4, PAC, NaOCl, H2O2, FeSO4, and Na2SiO3. Pricing is transparently structured around 5 technical cost drivers (active assay, packaging format, delivery distance from our 6 warehouses, order volume, and scheduled contract cadence) with a 15-minute technical quotation SLA.
• For Environmental & Process Engineers: Full technical support for Jar Test optimization, stoichiometry calculation, sludge minimization, and QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT compliance auditing.
• For FDI Plant Directors: Guaranteed supply continuity via 6 regional warehouses (Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Da Nang, Can Tho, Bac Ninh) and a dedicated 5–30-ton tanker fleet (4 hours in inner HCMC, 24–48 hours across Southern & Mekong Industrial Parks, 2–3 days in Northern & Central Vietnam).

4. Related Technical Resources & 15-Minute Quotation Gateway

• Explore our full industrial catalog: Industrial Chemical Catalog | Technical Knowledge Hub | Request a 15-Minute Technical Quote
• Legal Head Office: 452/6B Tinh Lo 10, Binh Tri Dong Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Head Office only — all physical stock is dispatched from our 6 regional industrial park warehouses).
• 24/7 Technical Hotline: 0979 891 929 (Please contact hotline 0979 891 929 for detailed delivery procedures) | Official Email: [email protected]