Oxidising H2O2 with KMnO4: What Happens?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the chemical reactions involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when oxidized by potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Participants explore the behavior of H2O2 as both an oxidizer and a reducer, examining the products formed under different conditions, such as acidic and alkaline solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Chemical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the products formed when KMnO4 oxidizes hydrogen peroxide.
  • Another participant suggests that hydrogen peroxide can act as an oxidizer in alkaline solutions and as a reducer in acidic solutions.
  • A participant seeks clarification on what hydrogen peroxide itself transforms into during these reactions.
  • One response provides specific reduction and oxidation reactions involving hydrogen peroxide, indicating the formation of water and oxygen under different conditions.
  • A later post questions the conditions under which a specific reaction occurs, indicating uncertainty about the timing of the reaction.
  • Another participant humorously suggests adding protons to balance a reaction equation, indicating a focus on stoichiometry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of hydrogen peroxide, with some proposing it acts as an oxidizer in certain conditions while others suggest it can also act as a reducer. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific products formed and the conditions under which different reactions occur.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including missing assumptions about the reaction conditions and the need for further clarification on the stoichiometry of the proposed reactions.

garytse86
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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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Hydrogen peroxide may act as oxidizer (in alkalic solution) or as a reducer (in acidic solution).
 
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Thanks, but I want to know what hydrogen peroxide itself changes to?
 
In reduction

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

In oxidation

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

G
 
k. so when does this happen:

H2O2 + 2e- --> 2OH-
 
Add 2H+ on both sides of equation :smile:
 
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