30 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, Manganese Dioxide, Bunsen Burner, Matches, Mortar and Pestle, Ring Stand, Catch Pan, Towels, Dishwashing Liquid, 1000 ml Beaker.
suds produced from oxygen liberation demo

 

Code Number: 10A10.20

Demo Title: Oxygen Liberation

Condition: Good

Principle: Oxidation - Reduction

Area of Study: Chemistry, Electricity

Equipment: 

30 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, Manganese Dioxide, Bunsen Burner, Matches, Mortar and Pestle, Ring Stand, Catch Pan, Towels, Dishwashing Liquid, 1000 ml Beaker.

Procedure:

Pour the bottle of 30 percent hydrogen peroxide into the beaker. Do not get this on exposed skin as this is a strong oxidizer and will produce burns. Crush some manganese dioxide into a powder with the mortar and pestle. THIS WILL BE DIFFICULT. Add a generous amount of soap to the hydrogen peroxide. When ready add a small amount of the catalyst (manganese dioxide) to the beaker of liquid. A great amount of gas filled bubbles will be liberated. The rate of reaction may be enhanced by warming the solution with the Bunsen burner.

NOTE : The Hydrogen Peroxide must be fresh as it does break down over time. Biochemistry Stores is my usual supplier. 

The reaction is:
            Mn02
2H2O2 -------------> 2H2O + O2 (gas)

References:

  • Tik Liem, "The Rising Suds", Investigation to Science Inquiry, pp. 154.
  • #96, "Helper",  Janice VanCleave's 204 Sticky, Gloppy, Wacky and Wonderful Experiments.
  • Vladimir Haensel and Robert L. Burwell, Jr., "Catalysis", Scientific American, Vol. 224, # 7 to 12, 1971, p. 46.

  • Bobby Mercer, "Baby Elephant's Toothpaste", Junk Drawer Chemistry, 2016, p. 125.