THE CATALYTIC EFFECT OF SOME TRANSITION-METAL HEXAMETHYLENETETRAMINE COMPLEXES IN HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE DECOMPOSITION

The kinetics of the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 with Wofatit KPS r esin (4% DVB, 40-80 mum) in the form of 1:1 copper(II)-, manganese(II) -, cobalt(II)- and nickel(II)-hexamine complexes was studied in an aqu eous medium. The decomposition reaction was first order with respect t o [H2O2] and the rate constant, k (per g of dry resin) increased in th e following sequence: Mn(II) > Co(II) > Cu(II) > Ni(II). The active sp ecies, formed as an intermediate at the beginning of the reaction, had an inhibiting effect on the reaction rate. An anionic surfactant, sod ium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), considerably inhibited the reaction rate. A probable mechanism for the decomposition process has been suggested, which is consistent with the results obtained.