Preparation of oxygen from hydrogen peroxide

Decompose hydrogen peroxide with a manganese(IV) oxide catalyst and test for oxygen.

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Objectives

  • Prepare oxygen by catalytic decomposition.
  • Explain what a catalyst does.
  • Identify oxygen with a glowing splint.

Theory

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes slowly into water and oxygen. Manganese(IV) oxide speeds the reaction up without being used up — it is a catalyst.

2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂↑ (MnO₂ catalyst)

Procedure

  1. Put on your safety goggles and lab coat.
  2. Place a conical flask on the bench.
  3. Add about 30 mL of hydrogen peroxide solution.
  4. Add about 1 g of manganese(IV) oxide.
  5. Observe the effervescence.
  6. Test the gas with a glowing splint.

Precautions

  • Hydrogen peroxide bleaches skin and clothes.
  • Add only a small amount of catalyst.
Subject
Chemistry
Grade
9–10
Chapter
Some Gases (Nepal National Curriculum (CDC), grade 9)
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
15 min
Safety level
Medium
Version
1.0

Apparatus

  • Conical flask (250 mL)

Chemicals

  • Hydrogen peroxide (6%) H₂O₂ Oxidiser
  • Manganese(IV) oxide MnO₂ Harmful

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