How are peroxy acids used as oxidizing agents?

Peroxy acids are chemical compounds characterized by the atomic group –O–O–H, which replaces the –O–H group found in a standard oxy acid. They function primarily as oxidizing agents because they readily donate oxygen to other substances.1

Their utility as oxidizing agents includes several specific chemical transformations:

• Epoxidation: They readily add oxygen to alkenes to produce epoxides.1
• Ketone Conversion: They are used to convert ketones into esters.1
• Amine Oxidation: They facilitate the conversion of amines into nitro compounds, amine oxides, or nitroso compounds.1

These compounds are typically prepared by reacting an oxy acid with hydrogen peroxide, sometimes utilizing strong acids like sulfuric acid to accelerate the process. While peroxy acids are distinct from inorganic peroxides like sodium peroxide, both classes are valued for their reactive oxygen content in various industrial and laboratory applications.12