The reaction 2H₂O₂ $\rightarrow$ 2H₂O + O₂ has the following mechanism: H₂O₂ + I^- $\rightarrow$ H₂O + IO^-
H₂O + IO^- $\rightarrow$ H₂O + O₂ + I^-
What is the catalyst in the reaction?

Question

The reaction 2H₂O₂

\rightarrow

2H₂O + O₂ has the following mechanism: H₂O₂ + I^-

\rightarrow

H₂O + IO^-
H₂O + IO^-

\rightarrow

H₂O + O₂ + I^-
What is the catalyst in the reaction?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The catalyst is the molecule that is not consumed in the reaction and helps in speeding up the reaction without being changed itself. In the given mechanism, I^- is the only molecule that is reused in both steps and is not consumed in the reaction, thus it acts as the catalyst.

The Reaction 2H2O2 →\rightarrow→ 2H2O + O2 Has the Following Mechanism: H2O2 + I-

The Reaction 2H₂O₂ $\rightarrow$ 2H₂O + O₂ Has the Following Mechanism: H₂O₂ + I^-