Alex T.

Zhao
Gregg Kerr
IB Chemistry HL
May 28, 2013
Effects of Catalyst on Reaction Rate
Background:
In this experiment the effects of catalysts on the rate of three
different reactions will be observed. The reactions are:

2MnO

5H C O

6H 2Mn2 10CO2(g) 8H 2O(l )

4(aq)
2 2 4(aq)
(aq)
(aq)
1.
1. Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

2.

C4 H 4O6(aq)
5H 2O2(aq) 2H (aq)
4CO2(g) 8H 2O(l )

Part A: Reaction of Permanganate Ion with Oxalic Acid

Observations:
Without Catalyst:
A reaction does occur, but very slowly
Solution changes color, from dark purple, to pink, to yellow
(transparent). After shaking gently, the solution become
colorless
With Catalyst:
A reaction occurs instantaneously
The reaction occurred at the bottom of the test tube first, a
thus a layer of magenta at the top and a layer of clear
yellow solution was clearly visible for a short amount of
time
As the reaction continued to take place, the entire solution
become clear yellow, and eventually colorless
Part B: Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
Observations:
Hydrogen Peroxide: Clear, colorless, homogeneous, odorless, liquid
Without Catalyst:
Bubbles SLOWLY forming in the solution. Solution remains
cold.
With Catalyst:
Bubbles formed rapidly
Fizzling
Temperature is slightly increased
Visible wisps of gas formed
Part C: Reaction of Tartrate Ion with Hydrogen Peroxide
Observations:
IB Chemistry HL Lab 15

May 28, 2013

Hydrogen Peroxide: Same as above

Heating Hydrogen Peroxide to 65C, without Tartrate Ion:
Bubbles formed slowly
Small wisps of whiteie: bubbles
After Tartrate Ion is added
A reaction occurs immediately, and proceeds extremely
rapidly
Large amounts of bubbles produced, fizzing.
Color changes from pink to brown, then to green, then to
dark green, then to orange, then to magenta, then to pale
pink (which is clear).
Formation of bubbles become less intense as the reaction
proceeds
A temperature increase from 66C to 81C was measured
Processing of results, and questions:
1. What species was acting as the catalyst in each reaction?
Part A: Manganese (II) sulfate acted as catalyst
Part B: Manganese (IV) oxide grains acted as catalyst
Part C: Cobalt (II) Chloride acted as catalyst
2. In reaction C, what evidence is there that the catalyst was not
consumed in the reaction? Is there any evidence that the catalyst
took an active part in the reaction?
According to the equation for part C:
2

C4 H 4O6(aq)
5H 2O2(aq) 2H (aq)
4CO2(g) 8H 2O(l )

, the products are CO2, which is

colorless, and water, which is also colorless. Thus, the final solution
observed in reaction C should theoretically be colorless. However, it is
observed to be pale pink. This suggests that the catalyst Cobalt (II)
Chloride was NOT consumed and it is the pinkish color of the Cobalt (II)
ion in the aqueous solution of Cobalt (II) Chloride that gives the final
solution its pale pink color.

IB Chemistry HL Lab 15

May 28, 2013