Question: Hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 , is a versatile chemical. Its uses include bleaching wood pulp and fabrics and substituting for chlorine in water

Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is a versatile chemical. Its uses include bleaching wood pulp and fabrics and substituting for chlorine in water purification. One reason for its versatility is that it can be either an oxidizing or a reducing agent. For the following reactions, identify whether hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing or reducing agent.

(a) H2O2(aq) + 2 Fe2+(aq) + 2 H+(aq) → 2 H2O(l) + 2 Fe3+(aq)

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

Step by Step Solution

3.47 Rating (163 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Analyze Before we can identify the oxidizing and reducing agents we must first assign oxidation stat... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related General Chemistry Principles Questions!