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What it is. This hydrogen peroxide is a stabilized 3% (w/w) reagent solution, supplied in a 3.8 L size. It is a clear, colorless, mild oxidizer for laboratory reagent use, microbiology testing, cleaning, and disinfection.
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What 3% (w/w) means. Every 100 g of solution contains 3 g of hydrogen peroxide. Stated by weight, as reagent peroxide normally is, it corresponds to roughly 0.9 M and about 10 volumes of available oxygen (calculated).
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Why stabilized. Hydrogen peroxide slowly decomposes to water and oxygen, and traces of metals, dust, heat, and light speed the process. Stabilizers slow that breakdown, so the solution holds its strength longer between uses, which matters for reagent work that depends on concentration.
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Laboratory uses. Three-percent hydrogen peroxide is used for the catalase test in microbiology, as an oxidizing reagent in sample preparation and teaching experiments, for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment, and for removing organic stains.
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Light protection. Light accelerates peroxide decomposition. Store the solution in a dark place and keep the container closed to preserve strength.
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Size for routine use. The 3.8 L size supports labs that use 3% peroxide daily for testing or cleaning, providing one consistent lot. For smaller volumes, see Lab Pro's Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (500 mL, 1 Gallon).
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Diluting stronger peroxide. Labs that prefer to prepare 3% in-house dilute 30% hydrogen peroxide about tenfold with deionized water. A stabilized ready-made 3% reagent avoids handling the concentrate and gives consistent strength.
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Checking strength. For critical reagent use, confirm concentration by titration with standardized potassium permanganate in sulfuric acid. Each mole of permanganate reacts with 2.5 moles of hydrogen peroxide.
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Decomposition products. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down only to water and oxygen, which is why it leaves no persistent residue on cleaned surfaces and is widely used where residues would interfere with later work.
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Handling at a glance. Three-percent hydrogen peroxide is mild but can irritate the eyes. Wear safety glasses, avoid eye contact, and rinse splashes with water. Never return used solution to the stock container.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution, stabilized |
| CAS Numbers |
7722-84-1 (hydrogen peroxide); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number |
231-765-0 |
| Formula (active) |
H2O2 |
| Molecular Weight (active) |
34.01 g/mol |
| Concentration |
3% (w/w) |
| Approximate Molarity |
About 0.9 M (calculated) |
| Volume Strength |
About 10 volumes (calculated) |
| Stabilized |
Yes (stabilizer identity not stated) |
| Grade |
Reagent |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Decomposition Products |
Water and oxygen |
| Exposure Limit (H2O2) |
OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 1 ppm TWA |
| Hazard Profile |
Eye irritant at this strength (confirm on SDS) |
| Package Size |
3.8 L |
Applications / Common Uses
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Catalase test: Identifies catalase-positive microorganisms.
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Reagent oxidizer: Supplies mild oxidant for sample preparation.
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Surface disinfection: Cleans and disinfects equipment.
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Stain removal: Oxidizes organic stains.
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Teaching labs: Demonstrates peroxide decomposition.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from heat, direct sunlight, metals, and reducing agents. Light and contamination speed decomposition, so keep the container closed and never return used solution to stock.
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Incompatible materials: Strong reducing agents, metals and metal salts, and organic contaminants.
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Personal protection: Safety glasses and gloves.
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Spill response: Dilute with water and wipe up.
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First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
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