The promoting effect of cupric ions on the ferric ion catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

The effect of Cu²⁺ ions on the Fe³⁺ ion catalyzed decomposition of H₂O₂ was reinvestigated. Deviations from steady state, first order kinetics were observed at a higher [H₂O₂] in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism suggested by Kremer and Stein for the catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂. The promoting action of Cu²⁺ is due to its acceleration of the conversion of the primary to the secondary iron (III)-H₂O₂ complex.