The above chemical equation describes the reaction process between Iron (Fe) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) to create Iron (III) Oxide (Fe2O3) and Water (H2O).
Iron (Fe) has a valency of +2, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is a strong oxidizing agent. Iron (III) Oxide (Fe2O3) has a valency of iron of +3 and Water (H2O) is a by-product of the reaction.
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction typically occurs at room temperature. However, if the temperature is increased, the reaction rate will also increase.
- Reaction process:
When Fe comes into contact with H2O2, Fe will be oxidized from +2 to +3, forming Fe2O3. From this process, H2O2 is reduced to H2O.
- Phenomena that occur:
During the reaction process, iron will gradually be oxidized and disappear, while Iron (III) Oxide is formed. Because Fe2O3 is reddish-brown, if the initial amount of iron is large, one can see the reddish-brown color appear. If the initial amount of iron is small, one may not see this phenomenon.