Hydrogen peroxide is frequently employed as a bleaching agent for delicate materials like silk, wool — Hydrogen Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$H_2O_2$ bleaches via oxidation. It slowly decomposes to release highly reactive nascent oxygen ($H_2O_2 \rightarrow H_2O + [O]$), which oxidizes the colored organic dye into a colourless compound. Because the chromophore is destroyed via oxidation, the bleaching is permanent (unlike $SO_2$ bleaching, which is temporary reduction).