Question

Why is manganese dioxide used as a catalyst in the laboratory for preparation of oxygen?

Answer 1

• The manganese dioxide is used as a catalyst in the laboratory for preparation of oxygen. That means it speeds up the decomposition reaction of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2\to {\mathrm{H}}_2+{\mathrm{O}}_2$.
• Also, being a catalyst, manganese dioxide is not consumed or chemically altered during the reaction.
• Manganese dioxide functions as a catalyst in the laboratory preparation of oxygen from potassium chlorate, increasing the rate of oxygen generation without being consumed.