Hydrogen peroxide as an oxidising agent

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, specifically in the oxidation of Mn2+ ions to MnO2 under basic conditions. Participants explore the implications of gas liberation during the reaction and the potential decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a reaction where hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Mn2+ ions to MnO2, noting the liberation of gas, which they speculate may be oxygen from simultaneous decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Another participant points out that MnO2 can act as a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that this could explain variations in gas liberation among different reactions.
  • A later reply supports the idea that the production of MnO2 could lead to the breakdown of excess hydrogen peroxide, potentially correlating with the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the reaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the gas liberation, with some attributing it to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by MnO2, while others note that variations in gas production may depend on the amount of hydrogen peroxide used. No consensus is reached on the exact nature of the gas or the reaction dynamics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which the reactions were conducted, nor does it resolve the assumptions regarding the behavior of hydrogen peroxide in basic conditions.

Moogie
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Hi

I recently did a reaction (see my last post for specifics) where hydrogen peroxide acted as an oxidising agent under basic conditions to oxidise Mn2+ ions in solution to MnO2

It did look as if some gas was liberated but hydogen peroxide only liberates oxygen when it is reduced.

Hydrogen peroxide can decompose in base so I'm thinking maybe the gas was oxygen released this reaction occurring simultaneously.

The only species available to react were chloride ions, hydroxide ions and water.

Thanks
 
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MnO2 is a catalyst that nicely decomposes hydrogen peroxide. Many metal oxides do the same.

--
 
Ah right, so the hydrogen peroxide is oxidising the Mn2+ to MnO2 and then the Mn02 produced is actually catalysing the breakdown of any excess hydrogen peroxide.

That would explain why some people had gas liberated and others didn't - the ones with gas chucked in loads of peroxide!
 
Thanks very much
 

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