A safer and cheaper version of the popular catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide demonstration commonly called the “Elephants’ Toothpaste” is presented. Hydrogen peroxide is decomposed in the presence of a surfactant by the enzyme catalase producing foam. Catalase has a higher activity compared with the traditional iodide and permits the use of diluted hydrogen peroxide solutions. The demonstration can be made with household products with similar amazing effects.
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Citation
Trujillo, Carlos Alexander. J. Chem. Educ.2005 82 855.
Keywords
Catalysis; Demonstrations; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Humor / Puzzles / Games; Kinetics; Oxidation / Reduction
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