Question

$H_2{O}_2$ is amphoteric - true or False?

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A

True

It acts as an oxidising as well as reducing agent in both acidic and alkaline media:

1. Reducing agent in acidic medium:

$2Mn{O}_4^{-}+6H^{+}+5H_2{O}_2\to 2M{n}^{2+}+8H_{2}O+5O_2$

$2F{e}^{3+}+2H^{+}+H_2{O}_2\to 2F{e}^{2+}+2H_{2}O+O_2$

2. Oxidizing agent in acidic medium:

$2I^{-}+2H^{+}+H_2{O}_2\to I_2+2H_{2}O$
$2\left[Fe\right(CN{)}_6{]}^{4-}+2H^{+}+H_2{O}_2\to 2\left[Fe\right(CN{)}_6{]}^{3-}+2H_{2}O$

3. Reducing agent in basic medium:

$I_2+H_2{O}_2+2O{H}^{-}\to 2I^{-}+2H_{2}O+O_2$

4. Oxidizing agent in basic medium:

$2HCHO+H_2{O}_2\to 2HCOOH+H_2$

5. Oxidizing agent in neutral medium:

$PbS+4H_2{O}_2\to PbS{O}_4+4H_{2}O$