Oxidising H2O2 with KMnO4: What Happens?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the chemical reactions involved when potassium permanganate (KMnO4) oxidizes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is established that H2O2 can act as both an oxidizer and a reducer depending on the pH of the solution. In alkaline conditions, H2O2 oxidizes to produce oxygen gas (O2) and water (H2O), while in acidic conditions, it reduces to form water. The key reactions are H2O2 + 2OH- -> O2 + 2H2O + 2e- for oxidation and H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e- -> 2H2O for reduction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of redox reactions
  • Knowledge of acid-base chemistry
  • Familiarity with chemical equations and electron transfer
  • Basic concepts of oxidation states
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in redox reactions
  • Learn about the role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in various chemical reactions
  • Explore the concept of oxidation states and their significance in chemical reactions
  • Investigate the effects of pH on redox reactions and the behavior of oxidizers and reducers
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, researchers in chemical sciences, and professionals involved in laboratory work related to redox reactions and oxidizing agents.

garytse86
Messages
311
Reaction score
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
 
Last edited:
Chemistry news on Phys.org
*deleted*...
 
Last edited:
Hydrogen peroxide may act as oxidizer (in alkalic solution) or as a reducer (in acidic solution).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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:
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
108K