Reaction #10 - Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, is unstable, especially when in high concentrations. It breaks down into water and oxygen.

But manganese(IV) oxide, also known as manganese dioxide, catalyses the decomposition, which means that it speeds up the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. Although decomposition of hydrogen peroxide also happens naturally, it is very slow. So manganese(IV) oxide can be added to speed things up.

Here is the reaction equation:

Hydrogen peroxide → Water + Oxygen
2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂

Reaction by YOSF