Which peroxide compound is known for releasing oxygen when added to an alkaline color mixture?

The correct choice is urea peroxide, which is recognized for its unique ability to release oxygen when mixed with an alkaline color formulation. This release of oxygen is crucial in the hair coloring process because it acts as an oxidizing agent, helping to develop the color and enhance the bonding of the dye to the hair shaft. Urea peroxide's chemistry is such that it can provide a controlled release of oxygen, making it particularly useful in color formulations designed for hair coloring.

In contrast, while hydrogen peroxide is widely known and commonly used in hair coloring for its oxidizing properties, it is not the correct answer in this specific context. Benzoyl peroxide is primarily used in acne treatment due to its antibacterial properties and does not function in the same way within hair color systems. Sodium peroxide is a less common compound and not typically associated with the oxygen release mechanism needed in alkaline hair color mixtures. Understanding the specifics of these compounds helps in choosing the right products for effective hair coloring and achieving optimal results.