Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide

NaClO + H2O2 → NaCl + H2O + O2

Overview

Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes hydrogen peroxide to oxygen gas while being reduced to chloride. This vigorous reaction produces rapid oxygen evolution and is sometimes called the elephant toothpaste reaction when concentrated H₂O₂ is used with a catalyst. Both species undergo oxidation state changes.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Hydrogen Peroxide H₂O₂ 1 (aq)
Reactant Sodium Hypochlorite NaClO 1 (aq)
Product Oxygen O 1 (g)
Product Water H₂O 1 (l)
Product Sodium Chloride NaCl 1 (aq)

Everyday Example

Mixing bleach with hydrogen peroxide in cleaning produces a vigorous fizzing reaction, though this is not recommended due to potential hazards.

Industrial Importance

Understanding the interaction between these common oxidizers is important for chemical safety and for designing disinfection protocols in water treatment.

Properties

Type
Redox
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-202.0 kJ/mol

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 Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide?
The balanced equation is: NaClO + H₂O₂ → NaCl + H₂O + O₂.
What type of reaction is Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide is a redox reaction.
Is Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -202.0 kJ/mol.