Q. Thermodynamically, hydrogen peroxide is unstable as shown by the following equation:
H2O2(l)→H2O(l)+12O2(g): ΔrGo=−122.6 kJ/mol
As the reaction from left to right is accompanied by a decrease in free energy, it is a spontaneous process. However, its decomposition at
25oC in the absence of catalysts is slow. The catalysts which accelerate decomposition are Pt, Ag, cobalt, iron, copper, manganese dioxide and light. Concentrated
H2O2 solution can result into uncontrolled decompositions leading to explosion.
H2O2 thus stored in colored wax-lined bottles (as rough glass surfaces) also causes its decomposition. A few stabilizers such as acids acetanilide, pyrophosphates, and stannates are added to slow down the decomposition of
H2O2.
Here H2O2 is a:
