What is an example of a disproportionation reaction?

1 Answer
Feb 27, 2017

The disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide to give oxygen and water would be a good example.

Explanation:

#"The formal oxidation number"# of oxygen in #"hydrogen peroxide"# is #O^(-I)#. #H_2O_2# disproportionates to oxygen and water under acidic conditions:

#"Oxidation:"#

#H_2O_2 rarr 2H^(+) + O_2 +2e^(-)#

#"Reduction:"#

#H_2O_2 + 2H^(+) + 2e^(-) rarr 2H_2O(l) #

#"Overall:"#

#2H_2O_2(l) + rarr 2H_2O(l) + O_2(g) #

OR

#H_2O_2(l) + rarr H_2O(l) + 1/2O_2(g) #

Univalent oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is reduced to water, and oxidized to dioxygen gas.