FREE ESSAY ON HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Experiment 8.5 - decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. 
The oxides that act as catalysts are those of the transition metals which have incomplete
electron shells in their ions. Liver contains catalase that catalyses the breakdown of
hydrogen peroxide in cells, found in many plants and animals (prevents accumulation of
h2o2 produces by some enzyme systems, if h2o2 was allowed to build up in cells it would
start to oxidise metabolites (all stuff in cells). 
Rochelle salt and h2o2 react slightly when warm, but reaction is catalysed by cobalt II
ions. While it's reacting, it turns green, showing the catalyst taking part in the
reaction but returns to the original pink colour showing the catalyst is unchanged when
the reaction is complete. Co2+ are oxidised (green) then reduced. 
Hydrolysis of sulphamic acid
Nh2so2oh + h2o a nh4+ + hs04 -. 
Order of effectiveness of catalysts. - hcl - strong acid
Ch3co2h - weak acid
H20 
H+ acts as a catalyst . inceasing it concentration increases catalytic effect. 
Hydrolysis of urea
This reaction is unusual, as the enzyme must work in acid conditions. This is because one
of the products is alkaline most enzymes work under neutral or acidic conditions.