Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Catalysts in Homogeneous Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the catalytic decomposition in true aqueous solution, and the catalysts, which are active in this state, are in the main inorganic compounds. In the steady state, the kinetics of the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and the concentration of halide, halogen, and acid could be accounted for by the kinetics of reactions and measured at the steady state and also in conditions, which are far removed from it. In solutions of moderate acidity, iodate ion decomposes hydrogen peroxide and is itself unaffected at the end. The ready reversibility of the ferrocyanide–ferricyanide redox system makes it a potential catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by the mechanism of compensating oxidation-reduction reactions. Moreover, the well-known facts in acid solution ferrocyanide is oxidized to ferricyanide, whereas in alkaline solution the reverse reduction occurs, seem a good indication that at suitable pH's both reactions might occur to give catalytic decomposition.