Hydrogen peroxide decomposes much faster in the presence of iodide ion, I−

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry

Problem

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes much faster in the presence of iodide ion, I−. The proposed mechanism is: Step 1 H2O2 + I− → H2O + IO− (slow) Step 2 H2O2 + IO− → H2O + O2 + I− (fast) Explain why I− is considered a catalyst in this reaction.

Related theory

Browse the problem library