Benzoyl peroxide (CED0003347)

Benzoyl peroxide (C14H10O4) is an organic compound with an average molecular weight of 242.23 g/mol. Benzoyl peroxide belongs to the benzoyl peroxides, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. Industrially, it serves as an oxidizing agent, catalyst, hardener, inhibitor, dye, food preservative, adhesion/cohesion promoter, and chemical reaction regulator (PMC13351510). In the context of plastics, it is used in polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, and low-density polyethylene. The compound is found in or released from 41 recorded sources. These include building and construction materials such as floors, ceilings, tents or canopies, and ladders, stairs and ramps; electrical and electronic equipment including antennas, amplifiers, adjustable resistors, coils, and auxiliary devices; and household cleaning and consumer products such as bleaching agents, soap detergents, perfumes within detergents and soaps, cigar cigarettes, and tobacco smoke filters. Additionally, it is associated with drinking water and water supply, as well as food processing and cookware, specifically the preparation of wort, fermentation processes for beer, processing meats, and food preservation. In healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary products, it is used in anti-acne preparations. Exposure routes for benzoyl peroxide include transdermal, topical, and oral pathways. It is used as a treatment for acne (PMC8197201). Regarding its biological activity, there are 20 recorded protein targets, which include protein kinase C beta type (PRKCB), protein kinase C gamma type (PRKCG), antizyme inhibitor 2 (AZIN2), and acting as an activator/inhibitor of catalase (CAT), among 16 other proteins.