Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Na2S2O3(s)+H2O2(l)->?

khanoomkochooloo - 29-8-2005 at 11:35

i ve heard there would be different results wether sodium thiosulfate is added to H2O2 or H2O2 poured over sodium thiosulfate is that true

unionised - 29-8-2005 at 12:07

Without water I strongly suspect that there would be a violent decomposition in both cases.

As for the reaction with a solution of H2O2, I don't know; it's possible and both the chemicals are reasonable accessible. Time for an experiment anyone?

woelen - 29-8-2005 at 12:16

This indeed might well be the case. Na2S2O3 is notorious in that its oxidation products strongly depend on the concentration and whether it is in excess amount or not. The following oxidation products are possible:

sulfate ion, SO4(2-)
tetrathionate ion, S4O6(2-)
sulphur + sulfate ion
sulphur + dithionate, S2O6(2-)

With H2O2 you probably will get a terrible mix of all of these ions and elemental sulphur. I would say, try it.

One of the few reactions, which gives only one oxidation product with thiosulfate is iodine, which forms iodide and tetrathionate ion.