Question

Write the chemical reactions to justify that Hydrogen peroxide can function as an oxidizing as well as reducing agent

Answer 1

H2O2 can act as oxidizing as well as reducing agent in both acidic and basic media..e.g.,

(i) Oxidizing agent in acidic medium

2Fe²⁺(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + H₂O₂ ---->2Fe³⁺(aq)+ 2H₂O(l)

(ii) Oxidizing agent in basic medium

Mn²⁺ (aq) + H₂O₂(aq)----> Mn⁴⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq)

(iii) Reducing agent in acidic medium

2MnO₄⁻(aq) + 6H⁺(aq) + 5H₂O₂(aq)------> 2Mn²⁺ (aq) + 8H₂O(l) + 5O₂(g)

(iv) Reducing agent in basic medium

I₂(s) + H₂O₂(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq)-----> 2I⁻(aq) + 2H₂O(l) + O₂(g)