Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Overview
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
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Hydrogen Peroxide H₂O₂ | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Oxygen O | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 2 | (l) |
Everyday Example
The fizzing when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a wound occurs because catalase enzyme in blood rapidly decomposes H₂O₂, releasing oxygen bubbles.
Industrial Importance
H₂O₂ decomposition is used in wastewater treatment, as a propellant (concentrated H₂O₂), and catalase activity is important in food processing and biotechnology.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -196.1 kJ/mol
- Catalyst
- MnO₂ or catalase enzyme
Related Reactions
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide
Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation
Copper Displaced by Iron
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
Copper Patina Formation (Verdigris)
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
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).