Oxidising H2O2 with KMnO4: What Happens?

In summary, when hydrogen peroxide is used as an oxidizer, it changes into oxygen gas, water, and releases two electrons. However, when it is used as a reducer, it changes into water and consumes two electrons. The specific reaction that occurs depends on the pH of the solution.
  • #1
garytse86
311
0
What do you get if you use KMnO4 to oxidise hydrogen peroxide?

and what happens to hydrogen peroxide if it is used as an oxidiser?

Surely the second one there are two possibilities:

1) H2O2 + 2e- --> 2OH-
2) H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e- --> 2H2O
 
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  • #2
*deleted*...
 
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  • #3
Hydrogen peroxide may act as oxidizer (in alkalic solution) or as a reducer (in acidic solution).
 
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  • #4
Thanks, but I want to know what hydrogen peroxide itself changes to?
 
  • #5
In reduction

H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e -> 2H2O

In oxidation

H2O2 +2OH- -> O2 + 2H2O + 2e

G
 
  • #6
k. so when does this happen:

H2O2 + 2e- --> 2OH-
 
  • #7
Add 2H+ on both sides of equation :smile:
 
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1. What is the chemical reaction between H2O2 and KMnO4?

The chemical reaction between H2O2 and KMnO4 is a redox reaction, also known as an oxidation-reduction reaction. The H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) acts as the reducing agent, while the KMnO4 (potassium permanganate) acts as the oxidizing agent. This results in the formation of oxygen gas (O2) and water (H2O).

2. What is the purpose of using KMnO4 in the oxidation of H2O2?

KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it has the ability to accept electrons from other substances. In the oxidation of H2O2, KMnO4 helps to facilitate the transfer of electrons from H2O2 to itself, resulting in the oxidation of H2O2 and the reduction of KMnO4.

3. What are the products of the reaction between H2O2 and KMnO4?

The products of the reaction between H2O2 and KMnO4 are oxygen gas (O2) and water (H2O). It is important to note that there may also be some residual KMnO4 remaining after the reaction.

4. What are the potential hazards of oxidizing H2O2 with KMnO4?

When handling and mixing chemicals like H2O2 and KMnO4, it is important to take necessary safety precautions. KMnO4 can be a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant, and can also be harmful if ingested. In addition, the reaction between H2O2 and KMnO4 may produce heat, so it is important to monitor the temperature and handle the chemicals carefully.

5. What are the practical applications of oxidizing H2O2 with KMnO4?

Oxidizing H2O2 with KMnO4 is commonly used in various industries, such as water treatment and chemical synthesis. It can be used to remove impurities from water and it is also a key step in the production of some chemicals. Additionally, the reaction can be used in laboratory settings for experiments and demonstrations.

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