Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be broken down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) through a chemical reaction called decomposition. This reaction occurs spontaneously over time, but it can be accelerated by various factors, including the presence of certain substances and the application of heat.
Catalase, an enzyme found in many living organisms, is one of the most efficient natural catalysts for hydrogen peroxide decomposition. It catalyzes the reaction, breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is why hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds, as the catalase in living tissues helps to neutralize it.
Additionally, certain metal ions and metal oxides can also act as catalysts for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. For example, manganese dioxide (MnO2) and platinum are commonly used as catalysts in industrial applications to speed up the decomposition process.
The general decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide can be represented as follows:
2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2
This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy in the form of heat as the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen.