CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF ALKALINE HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE IN THE PRESENCE OF METAL-IONS - BINUCLEAR COMPLEX-FORMATION

Catalytic decomposition of alkaline hydrogen peroxide by manganese ions has been studied in combination with silicate, magnesium, zinc, aluminum and sodium. Enhancement or reduction in catalytic activity has been explained in terms of complex formation, leading to binuclear structures of the type (Mn-O-M) where M = Si, Mg, Zn. Sodium and aluminum are comparatively inactive activity towards formation of structures of this type, resulting in much less influence on catalytic activity towards peroxide decomposition. It is proposed that these results can be extended to provide a general theory of catalytic activity for combinations of metal ions under alkaline conditions.