14.5.3 CIA Demonstration: Elephant Snot

Question 1

CIA Demonstration: Elephant Snot

Answer 1

• Hydrogen peroxide undergoes a disproportionation reaction in which oxygen is both oxidized and reduced.
• The disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide can be catalyzed by iodide ion.

Question 2

note

Answer 2

• Hydrogen peroxide undergoes a disproportionation reaction.
• In a disproportionation reaction, the same species undergoes both oxidation and reduction.
• In the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen goes from a –1 oxidation state to a –2 oxidation state and a 0 oxidation state.
• The reaction rate of the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide can be increased by adding a catalyst, such as iodide ion (I – ).
• Iodide ion changes the reaction mechanism of the
  disproportionation. This lowers the activation energy, and increases the reaction rate.
• Carrying out this reaction in dishwashing liquid and glycerin produces foam. This foam is referred to as “elephant snot” or “elephant toothpaste.”