Demonstration of the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Alfred R. Conklin Jr. and Angela Kessinger
Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH 45177
J. Chem. Educ., 1996, 73 (9), p 838
DOI: 10.1021/ed073p838
Publication Date (Web): September 1, 1996

Abstract

Catalytic decomposition is demonstrated by placing hydrogen peroxide solutions in a one liter graduated cylinder and adding soap, food coloring, and potassium iodide. Released oxygen is trapped by the soap producing bubbles. The volume of bubbles is proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Chloride and bromide do not cause decomposition. Increased reactant temperature increases the volume of bubbles formed.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Oxygen

Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 5 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).

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    A Modified Demonstration of the Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

    Carlos Alexander Trujillo , Edward Senkbeil , Paul Krause
    Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (6), 855
    • A Modified Demonstration of the Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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