Question

Discuss the reducing and oxidising properties of h2o2

Answer 1

Its reducing properties of Hydrogen Peroxide:

· It reduces Cl to HCl

· It reduces Ag2O to Ag

· It reduces K3[Fe(CN)6] (potassium ferricyanide) to K4[Fe(CN)6] (potassium ferrocyanide)

Half equations for reduction:

· In acidic medium: H2O2⟶2H++O2+2e-

· In basic medium: H2O2+2OH-⟶2H2O+O2+2e−

· It oxidizes sulphites to sulphates

· It oxidizes arsenites to arsenates

· It oxidizes nitrites to nitrates

· It oxidizes potassium ferricyanide to potassium ferrocyanide