Question

Thermodynamically, hydrogen peroxide is unstable as shown by the following equation:

$H_2{O}_{2\left(l\right)}\to H_2{O}_{\left(l\right)}+\frac{1}{2}{O}_{2\left(g\right)}$ ; ${\Delta }_r{G}^o=-122.6kJ/mol$

As the reaction from left to right is accompanied by a decrease in free energy, it is a spontaneous process. However, its decomposition at ${25}^{o}C$ in the absence of catalysts is slow. The catalysts which accelerate decomposition are Pt, Ag, cobalt, iron, copper, manganese dioxide and light. Concentrated $H_2{O}_2$ solution can result into uncontrolled decompositions leading to explosion. $H_2{O}_2$ 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 $H_2{O}_2$.

$H_2{O}_2$ is stored in colored wax-lined bottles because:

• A. it is radioactive
• B. it produced uncontrolled decompositions leading to explosion
• C. it is non-polar molecule
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B it produced uncontrolled decompositions leading to explosion

$H_2{O}_2$ is highly reactive and it is stored in wax-lined glasses or in plastic bottles so that no light enters it and no self decomposition takes place, because when light is provided to the peroxide it decomposes itself to water and oxygen gas.

Hence option B is correct.