Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide
Skeletal formula (top) Ball-and-stick model (bottom)
Clinical data
Trade namesBenzac, Panoxyl, others
Other namesbenzoperoxide, dibenzoyl peroxide (DBPO), BPO
AHFS/Drugs.comProfessional Drug Facts
MedlinePlusa601026
License data
Routes of
administration		Topical
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
  • benzoic peroxyanhydride[3]
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.002.116 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC14H10O4
Molar mass242.230 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Density1.334 g/cm3
Melting point103 to 105 °C (217 to 221 °F) decomposes
Solubility in waterpoor mg/mL (20 °C)
  • c1ccc(cc1)C(=O)OOC(=O)c2ccccc2
  • InChI=1S/C14H10O4/c15-13(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)17-18-14(16)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10H
  • Key:OMPJBNCRMGITSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Data page
Benzoyl peroxide (data page)

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound (specifically, an organic peroxide) with structural formula (C6H5−C(=O)O−)2, often abbreviated as (BzO)2. In terms of its structure, the molecule can be described as two benzoyl (C6H5−C(=O)−, Bz) groups connected by a peroxide (−O−O−). It is a white granular solid with a faint odour of benzaldehyde, poorly soluble in water but soluble in acetone, ethanol, and many other organic solvents. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizer, which is principally used in the production of polymers.[4]

Benzoyl peroxide is mainly used in production of plastics[5] and for bleaching flour, hair, plastics and textiles.[6][7]

As a bleach, it has been used as a medication and a water disinfectant.[5][7]

As a medication, benzoyl peroxide is mostly used to treat acne, either alone or in combination with other treatments.[8] Some versions are sold mixed with antibiotics such as clindamycin.[9][10] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[11] It is available as an over-the-counter and generic medication.[12][9] It is also used in dentistry for teeth whitening. In 2021, it was the 284th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 700,000 prescriptions.[13][14]

History

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Benzoyl peroxide was first prepared and described by Justus von Liebig in 1858.[15] Donald Holroyde Hey FRS[16] (12 September 1904 – 21 January 1987) was a Welsh organic chemist who inferred that the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide generated free phenyl radicals.[17][18]

Structure and reactivity

[edit]
Structure of dibenzoyl peroxide from X-ray crystallography. The O=C-O-O dihedral angle is 90°. The O-O distance is 1.434 Å.[19]

The original 1858 synthesis by Liebig reacted benzoyl chloride with barium peroxide,[15] a reaction that probably follows this equation:

2 C6H5C(O)Cl + BaO2 → (C6H5CO)2O2 + BaCl2

Benzoyl peroxide is usually prepared by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride under alkaline conditions.

2 C6H5COCl + H2O2 + 2 NaOH → (C6H5CO)2O2 + 2 NaCl + 2 H2O

The oxygen–oxygen bond in peroxides is weak. Thus, benzoyl peroxide readily undergoes homolysis (symmetrical fission), forming free radicals:

(C6H5CO)2O2 → 2 C
6H
5CO•
2

The symbol • indicates that the products are radicals; i.e., they contain at least one unpaired electron. Such species are highly reactive. The homolysis is usually induced by heating. The half-life of benzoyl peroxide is one hour at 92 °C. At 131 °C, the half-life is one minute.[20]

In 1901, it was observed that the compound made the tincture of guaiacum tincture turn blue, a sign of oxygen being released.[21] Around 1905, Loevenhart reported on the successful use of benzoyl peroxide to treat various skin conditions, including burns, chronic varicose leg tumors, and tinea sycosis. He also reported animal experiments that showed the relatively low toxicity of the compound.[22][6][23]

Treatment with benzoyl peroxide was proposed for wounds in 1929, and for sycosis vulgaris and acne varioliformis in 1934.[23] However, preparations were often of questionable quality.[6] It was officially approved for the treatment of acne in the US in 1960.[6]

Polymerization

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Benzoyl peroxide is mainly used as a radical initiator to induce chain-growth polymerization reactions,[4] such as for polyester and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resins and dental cements and restoratives.[24] It is the most important among the various organic peroxides used for this purpose, a relatively safe alternative to the much more hazardous methyl ethyl ketone peroxide.[25][26] It is also used in rubber curing and as a finishing agent for some acetate yarns.[24]

Other uses

[edit]
Tube of a water-based 5% benzoyl peroxide preparation for the treatment of acne

Benzoyl peroxide is effective for treating acne lesions. It does not induce antibiotic resistance.[27][28] It may be combined with salicylic acid, sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin (antibiotics), or adapalene (a synthetic retinoid). Two common combination drugs include benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin and adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, adapalene being a chemically stable retinoid that can be combined with benzoyl peroxide[29] unlike tezarotene and tretinoin. Combination products such as benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid appear to be slightly more effective than benzoyl peroxide alone for the treatment of acne lesions.[28] The combination tretinoin/benzoyl peroxide was approved for medical use in the United States in 2021.

Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is typically applied to the affected areas in gel, cream, or liquid, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through 5.0%, and up to 10%.[27] No strong evidence supports the idea that higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide are more effective than lower concentrations.[27]

Mechanism of action

[edit]

Classically, benzoyl peroxide is thought to have a three-fold activity in treating acne. It is sebostatic, comedolytic, and inhibits growth of Cutibacterium acnes, the main bacterium associated with acne.[27][30] In general, acne vulgaris is a hormone-mediated inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Hormone changes cause an increase in keratin and sebum production, leading to blocked drainage. C. acnes has many lytic enzymes that break down the proteins and lipids in the sebum, leading to an inflammatory response. The free-radical reaction of benzoyl peroxide can break down the keratin, therefore unblocking the drainage of sebum (comedolytic). It can cause nonspecific peroxidation of C. acnes, making it bactericidal,[6] and it was thought to decrease sebum production, but disagreement exists within the literature on this.[30][31]

Some evidence suggests that benzoyl peroxide has an anti-inflammatory effect as well. In micromolar concentrations it prevents neutrophils from releasing reactive oxygen species, part of the inflammatory response in acne.[31]

Side effects

[edit]
Skin irritation due to benzoyl peroxide

Application of benzoyl peroxide to the skin may result in redness, burning, and irritation. This side effect is dose-dependent.[8][12]

Because of these possible side effects, it is recommended to start with a low concentration and build up as appropriate, as the skin gradually develops tolerance to the medication. Skin sensitivity typically resolves after a few weeks of continuous use.[31][32] Irritation can also be reduced by avoiding harsh facial cleansers and wearing sunscreen prior to sun exposure.[32]

One in 500 people experience hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide and are liable to experience burning, itching, crusting, and possibly swelling.[33][34] About one-third of people experience phototoxicity under exposure to ultraviolet (UVB) light.[35]

Dosage

[edit]

In the US, the typical concentration for benzoyl peroxide is 2.5% to 10% for both prescription and over-the-counter drug preparations that are used in treatment for acne.[36]

Other medical uses

[edit]

Benzoyl peroxide is used in dentistry as a tooth whitening product.

Safety

[edit]

Explosion hazard

[edit]

Benzoyl peroxide is potentially explosive[37] like other organic peroxides, and can cause fires without external ignition. The hazard is acute for the pure material, so the compound is generally used as a solution or a paste. For example, cosmetics contain only a small percentage of benzoyl peroxide and pose no explosion risk.

Toxicity

[edit]

Benzoyl peroxide breaks down in contact with skin, producing benzoic acid and oxygen, neither of which is very toxic.[38]

The carcinogenic potential of benzoyl peroxide has been investigated. A 1981 study published in the journal Science found that although benzoyl peroxide is not a carcinogen, it does promote cell growth when applied to an initiated tumor. The study concluded, "caution should be recommended in the use of this and other free radical-generating compounds".[39]

A 1999 IARC review of carcinogenicity studies found no convincing evidence linking benzoyl peroxide acne medication to skin cancers in humans. However, some animal studies found that the compound could act as a carcinogen and enhance the effect of known carcinogens.[24]

Benzoyl peroxide can break down into carcinogen benzene at temperatures above 50°C.[40][41]

Skin irritation

[edit]

In a 1977, study using a human maximization test, 76% of subjects acquired a contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide. Formulations of 5% and 10% were used.[42]

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed criteria for a recommended standard for occupational exposure to benzoyl peroxide.[43]

Cloth staining

[edit]
A bleached fabric stain caused by contact with benzoyl peroxide

Contact with fabrics or hair, such as from still-moist acne medication, can cause permanent color dampening almost immediately. Even secondary contact can cause bleaching, for example, contact with a towel that has been used to wash off benzoyl peroxide-containing hygiene products.[44]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Epsolay- benzoyl peroxide cream". DailyMed. 25 April 2022. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  2. ^ "Epsolay- benzoyl peroxide cream". DailyMed. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  3. ^ IUPAC Chemical Nomenclature and Structure Representation Division (2013). "P-65.7.5". In Favre HA, Powell WH (eds.). Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry: IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013. IUPAC–RSC. ISBN 978-0-85404-182-4.
  4. ^ a b Herbert K, Götz PH, Siegmeier R, Mayr W. "Peroxy Compounds, Organic". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a19_199. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  5. ^ a b Stellman JM (1998). Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety: Guides, indexes, directory. International Labour Organization. p. 104. ISBN 978-92-2-109817-1. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e Plewig G, Kligman AM (2012). ACNE and ROSACEA (3 ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 613. ISBN 978-3-642-59715-2. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
  7. ^ a b Pommerville JC (2012). Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology: Body Systems. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 214. ISBN 978-1-4496-0595-7. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
  8. ^ a b World Health Organization (2009). Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR (eds.). WHO Model Formulary 2008. World Health Organization. pp. 307–308. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 978-92-4-154765-9.
  9. ^ a b British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. p. 820. ISBN 978-0-85711-156-2.
  10. ^ Braun-Falco O, Plewig G, Wolff HH, Burgdorf W (2012). Dermatology (2 ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 1039. ISBN 978-3-642-97931-6. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
  11. ^ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
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  41. ^ "USP Statement on Third Party Laboratory Benzene Findings | USP". www.usp.org. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  42. ^ Leyden JJ, Kligman AM (October 1977). "Contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide". Contact Dermatitis. 3 (5): 273–5. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1977.tb03674.x. PMID 145346. S2CID 33553359.
  43. ^ "Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Benzoyl Peroxide (77-166)". CDC - NIOSH Publications and Products. 6 June 2014. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB76128. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
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