Rohan heard that instructions were given to the laboratory attendent to store a particular chemical, i.e., keep it in the dark room, add some urea in it, and keep it away from dust. This chemical acts as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent in both acidic and alkaline media. This chemical is important for use in the pollution control treatment of domestic and industrial effluents.

1. Write the name of this compound.

2.  Explain why such precautions are taken for storing this chemical.

(i) The name of the compound is hydrogen peroxide, H2O2. It acts as an oxidising agent as well as reducing agent in both acidic and basic medium.
(ii) H2O2 decomposes slowly on exposure to light and dust particles. In the presence of metal surfaces or traces of alkali present in glass containers, the decomposition of H2O2 is catalysed.
It is, therefore, stored in wax lined glass or plastic vessels in dark. Urea is added as a negative catalyst or stabiliser to check its decomposition.
2H2O2(l)hv2H2O(l)+O2(g)