The Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Ferric Ion

Abstract

New experiments are described on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by ferric ion.

It is shown that the experimental results can reasonably be represented by a relation of the form

-d[H₂O₂] /dt=K_expt.[H₂O₂] -b_expt.,

if one omits the data obtained during the first few minutes of decomposition. The anomalies coincide with the appearance of light emission. The sum total of experi- mental evidence cannot be reconciled with either a pure free-radical cycle nor with a pure non-free-radical cycle, but is consistent with a combination of both. It is strongly suggested that the active intermediates of the propagation consist of dimerized products of ferric hydrolysis.