These compounds are reactive and unstable because of shock, pressure, or temperature.
Peroxides can be highly reactive, powerful oxidizers, and highly flammable.
The oxygen-oxygen bond is a weak bond and can be cleaved from the energy generated from mechanical shock, heat, light, or chemical contact. Free radicals are formed from the broken oxygen oxygen bond. The free radicals are highly reactive and a large amount of energy is released during the decomposition of the chemical. The are generally three classes of chemicals that can form peroxides. The degree of explosion hazard depends on the the chemical, condition in which it is stored and the conditions in which it is used.