Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

Aperçu

Hydrogen peroxide simultaneously acts as both oxidizing and reducing agent in this disproportionation reaction. One molecule is reduced to water (O goes from -1 to -2) while another is oxidized to oxygen gas (O goes from -1 to 0). Manganese dioxide or the enzyme catalase dramatically accelerate this reaction.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Hydrogen Peroxide H₂O₂ 2 (aq)
Produit Oxygen O 1 (g)
Produit Water H₂O 2 (l)

Exemple du quotidien

The fizzing when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a wound occurs because catalase enzyme in blood rapidly decomposes H₂O₂, releasing oxygen bubbles.

Importance industrielle

H₂O₂ decomposition is used in wastewater treatment, as a propellant (concentrated H₂O₂), and catalase activity is important in food processing and biotechnology.

Propriétés

Type
Redox
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-196,1 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
MnO₂ or catalase enzyme

Réactions associées

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation?
The balanced equation is: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂.
What type of reaction is Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation?
Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation is a redox reaction.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation exothermic or endothermic?
Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -196.1 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation?
This reaction requires a catalyst (MnO₂ or catalase enzyme).