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 | Sodium Hypochlorite NaClO | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Hydrogen Peroxide H₂O₂ | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Sodium Chloride NaCl | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
| Product | Oxygen O | 1 | (g) |
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.