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Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

Reactants

• Solution A: 50ml 30% H₂O₂

• Solution B: 4 drops Ivory dish soap

• Solution C: 1gm KI

Procedure

1. On a large sheet of plastic backed absorbent paper, place a 1 liter graduated cylinder in a large petri dish.

2. To the graduated cylinder cylinder add 50ml 30% H₂O₂ and 4 drops Ivory dish soap.

3. When ready, add 1gm KI. Oxygen released by the rapidly catalyzed decomposition generates a tremendous amount of foam.

Caution. This reaction generates a lot of heat. Glassware may burn your hand.

Reactions

H₂O₂ (aq) + I^- (aq) --> H₂O (l) + OI^- (aq)

H₂O₂ (aq) + OI^- (aq) --> H₂O (l) + O₂(g) + I^- (aq)

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2H₂O₂ (aq) --> 2H₂O (l) + 1/2 O₂ (g)