A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a single compound breaks down into two or more elements or new compounds. These reactions often involve an energy source such as heat, light, or electricity that breaks apart the bonds of compounds.

Decomposition reactions are opposite of combination reactions as combination reaction involves two or more substances combine together to produce a new compound. Whereas in a decomposition reaction, the combination between constituents are broken down to form multiple products.

General Reaction Mechanism

AB → A + B

Uses of Decomposition Reaction

  • Manufacture of cement or calcium oxide
  • For metallurgical processes: Extraction of metals from its oxides, chlorides, etc
  • The relief from acid indigestion
  • Thermite welding

Elephant toothpaste (Decomposition Reaction) experiment

The key component used here is Hydrogen Peroxide which is acidic in nature with 4.7 pH of 30% solution. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent and antiseptic. Hydrogen Peroxide is an unstable compound and slowly decomposes in the presence of light. The first step is to put on your safety glasses. Since 36% hydrogen peroxide will burn if it comes in contact with your skin, it’s best to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

2H2O2  →  2H2O + O2 (by using KI as catalyst, which change the rate of reaction)

Apparatus Required

Step Wise Procedure of Decomposition Reaction

 1. Cover the table with the plastic tarp to make cleanup easy at the end of the demonstration.

2. Fill the beaker with approximately 40 mL of water.

3.  Add potassium iodide to the water and stir with a spoon until all of the crystals have dissolved. When this happens, you have what is called a saturated solution. Label the beaker “Potassium Iodide Catalyst” and set it aside to use later.

4. Measure 60 mL of the 36% hydrogen peroxide into the conical flask. Add about 5 milliliters of dish soap to the graduated cylinder containing the hydrogen peroxide.

5. Add your favorite food coloring to spice things up. Give the solution a quick swirl to mix the contents.

 6. The last step is to pour Potassium Iodide catalyst into the graduated cylinder and quickly stand back. Within seconds, the reaction will occur and a mountain of foam will cover the table.

via GIPHY

This experiment is sometimes called “Elephant’s Toothpaste” because it looks like toothpaste coming out of a tube, but don’t get the foam in your mouth.

Explanation

H2O2 is the scientific name for hydrogen peroxide, which is made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. H2O2 looks like ordinary water (H2O), but the addition of that extra oxygen atom turns the molecule into an extremely powerful oxidizer. The hydrogen peroxide used in this demonstration is ten times stronger than the over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide you can find at the chemical stores. Low-grade hydrogen peroxide (3%) will not produce the massive amount of foam seen in this version of the Exploding Toothpaste demonstration. The secret ingredient is actually potassium iodide, which acts as a catalyst (something that speeds up a chemical reaction, and in this case, it’s the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide).

When hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposes, it breaks down to form water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). The soap bubbles that erupt from the cylinder are actually filled with oxygen. You’ll notice that the foam has a brown tint. This color is due to the presence of free iodine produced by the extreme oxidizing power of the 36% hydrogen peroxide. As the reaction takes place, you’ll also see steam rising from the erupting foam. This shows that the reaction is exothermic, meaning that it gives off heat.

Hydrogen peroxide (36% strength) will act as an oxidizing agent with practically any substance. This substance is severely corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Potassium iodide is slightly toxic by ingestion. Given these safety precautions, it’s best to leave this one to the experts. Just befriend a chemistry teacher and ask him to perform the famous Exploding Toothpaste experiment.