determination of hydrogen peroxide concentration by different analysis processes
Methods of analysis for determining the concentration and decomposition rate of H2O2

Hydrogen Peroxide

Methods of analysis

In this section you will find various analytical methods for determining the concentration and decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)!

Determination of hydrogen peroxide concentration by titration with potassium permanganate

This method describes the determination of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide by titration with potassium permanganate. The reaction is carried out in a sulfuric acid solution according to the following equation.

2 KMnO4 + 5 H2O2 + 4 H2SO4 → 2 KHSO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 8 H2O + 5 O2

The titration is usually carried out potentiometrically with a redox electrode, supported by electronic titration equipment. Alternatively, the titration can be performed manually. In this case, the end point detection is done visually (sample solution turns pink).

Determination of hydrogen peroxide decomposition (16 hours at 96 °C)

This method describes the determination of the hydrogen peroxide decomposition rate by 16 hours temperature treatment at 96 °C. The permanent heating causes a gradually decrease of the hydrogen peroxide concentration. The decomposition rate indicates the relative decrease of the hydrogen peroxide concentration after 16 hours at 96 °C. The hydrogen peroxide content of the sample must therefore be exactly determined before and after the temperature treatment.

The determination is carried out by titration with potassium permanganate in a sulfuric acid solution according to the following equation.

2 KMnO4 + 5 H2O2 + 4 H2SO4 → 2 KHSO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 8 H2O + 5 O2

The titration is usually carried out potentiometrically with a redox electrode, supported by electronic titration equipment.

Alternatively, the titration can be performed manually. In this case, the end point detection is done visually (sample solution turns pink).

Determination of the pH value of hydrogen peroxide

This method describes the determination of the pH of hydrogen peroxide. The measurement is carried out directly in the present hydrogen peroxide sample. For the measurement, a commercial pH glass electrode and a commercial pH meter are required.

Contact and further information

ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR Hydrogen Peroxide