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 $H_2{O}_2$.

Here $H_2{O}_2$ is a:

• A. diamagnetic
• B. paramagnetic
• C. non-polar
• D. all are incorrect

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

diamagnetic

From the molecular orbital diagram, it can be seen that as it has zero unpaired electrons.

So it is diamagnetic in nature.