Duhok Polytechnic University

Duhok Technical College of Engineering

Dept: Petrochemical Engineering

Exp. (1) Decomposition of 𝑯𝟐 𝑶𝟐 by 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟐

𝟒𝒕𝒉 Year
By
Dr. Farhad & Mr. Mohammed

Email: Mohammed.babaker@uoz.edu.krd
Purpose:
✓ To Calculate the rate constant k
✓ To understand that a catalyst can be used to
increase a rate of reaction.
✓ To understand that catalysts are neither reactants
nor products and remain unchanged after the
reaction is complete.
✓ Investigation of the effect of the increasing of the
amount of catalyst on decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide.
✓ To understand that catalysts work by offering an
alternative reaction pathway with a lower
activation energy.
Theory
The Magic Genie demonstrates the decomposition of
hydrogen peroxide into oxygen gas and water vapor . The
decomposition is catalyzed by manganese dioxide
(𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟐 ), which is not changed during the reaction. It is an
exothermic reaction and will evolve a lot of heat. The
special effects in this demonstration are due to a “fog”
produced by the condensation of water droplets in the
steam and oxygen gas mixture.
Theory
The mechanism of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
by MnO2 is believed to involve the production of Mn (II)
and Mn (III) intermediates, as well as hydroperoxide
ions (HOO–) and superoxide anion radicals (O2–). Mn (II)
ions are then rapidly reoxidized to 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟐 , resulting in
regeneration of the catalyst.
Theory
✓ The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide releases a
large amount of heat into the surrounding
environment.
✓ Hydrogen peroxide in water has a tendency to
decompose in water and oxygen, because the reaction
products are more stable than the hydrogen peroxide
itself.
✓ Decomposition is strongly affected by light and
catalysts as catalase, metal oxides and activated
carbon.
✓ The most promising technique is heterogeneous
catalysis. Common catalysts include manganese oxide,
silver, platinum and activated carbon.
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes by catalyst MnO2 as in
the following reaction:

The kinetic study of this reaction is possible by

measuring volume (ml) of the liberated oxygen gas and
it is considered first order reaction:

V∞ = total volume of liberated oxygen in the end of reaction and

it is equal the initial concentration (a) in the beginning of
reaction.
Vt = volume of liberated oxygen with the time
K= decomposition rate constant.
Chemicals:

1- ٪2 H2O2
2- D.W
3- MnO2
Procedure:
1. Put (0.05g) MnO2 and (15ml) from (1%) H2O2 in the
conical (A) and close it immediately by plastic tube
to the burette and opening time directly.
2. Read (Vt) from burette every (10 sec) nearly (10)
values .
3. Immerse conical(A) in water bath at (40°C) for
(15min).
4. Put conical(A) at room temperature for (2 min) then
record V∞ .
5. Repeat a above steps by taking (0.02g) MnO2.
Calculation:
Time (Sec) Vt ≡ x V∞ -Vt ≡ (a-x) Ln(V∞-Vt )
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
 Slop= -k

Ln(V∞ -Vt )

LnV∞

t(Sec)
 Discussion
Q1/ What is the function of manganese dioxide?
Q2/ What is the reaction between H2O2 and MnO2?
Q3/ Do you think a chemical reaction occurred? The
mixing of which substances resulted in a chemical
reaction? How do you know this?
Q4/ Why do you think water and hydrogen peroxide have
different chemical properties?
Q5/ What kind of gas is being given off in this reaction?
How do you know?
Q6/ Describe what happened in this demonstration.
Q7/ Is the reaction endothermic or exothermic?