Kinetics of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solutions

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide decomposition in 1–5 mol dm^–3 KOH and 1–2 mol dm^–3 NaOH solutions is a first-order reaction with respect to undissociated hydrogen peroxide. The decomposition is catalysed by compounds of heavy metals (Fe, Cu) present as trace impurities in these solutions and is first order with respect to them. The hydroxyl ion concentration exerts a significant effect on the decomposition rate, which has been explained by its influence on the activity of catalysing species having colloidal character, which are probably the active sites for the decomposition.