Hydrogen Peroxide in the Thermal Hydrogen Oxygen Reaction I. Thermal Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (at partial pressures of one to two millimeters of mercury) was studied in the presence of one atmosphere of oxygen or nitrogen by the use of a flow system. The concentration of H2O2 was measured photometrically, using the continuous ultraviolet absorption of this compound. Determination by this means was more rapid, and offered less chance for errors of manipulation than conventional chemical analysis. A first order reaction with an activation energy of 40 kcal./mole was found in the neighborhood of 520°C. Evidence is presented to support the conclusion that the reaction is partly, at least, homogeneous in boric acid treated vessels at temperatures in the 470 to 540°C range.