Question

The starting material for convenient preparation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide \(\left(D_2 O _2\right)\) in laboratory is :

• A. 2-ethylanthraquinol
• B. \(BaO _2\)
• C. \(K _2 S _2 O _8\)
• D. \(BaO\)

Hint:

Remember that deuterated compounds are those where hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium (heavy hydrogen) isotopes. K₂S₂O₈ is commonly used in the preparation of peroxides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the starting material for the convenient preparation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide \((D_2 O_2)\) in the laboratory, we need to understand the chemical properties and reactions of the given options. The focus here is to identify which substance can react with deuterated water \((D_2 O)\) to produce deuterated hydrogen peroxide \((D_2 O_2)\).

1. Option: 2-Ethylanthraquinol
   • This compound is generally used in the anthraquinone process for producing hydrogen peroxide. However, it does not directly react with water to produce hydrogen peroxide, and its role is more as a catalyst or medium in industry.
   • Thus, it is not suitable as a direct source for laboratory preparation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide.
2. Option: \(\text{BaO}_2\)
   • Barium peroxide \(\text{BaO}_2\) can react with water to produce hydrogen peroxide, but it does not specifically facilitate the formation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide with \((D_2 O)\).
   • This option is not ideal for the preparation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide \((D_2 O_2)\).
3. Option: \(\text{K}_2\text{S}_2\text{O}_8\)
   • Potassium persulfate \((\text{K}_2\text{S}_2\text{O}_8)\) is an oxidizing agent that can facilitate the formation of hydrogen peroxide from water by transferring oxygen atoms.
   • In the case of deuterated water \((D_2 O)\), it can similarly lead to the formation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide \((D_2 O_2)\).
   • This makes it a convenient starting material for deuterated hydrogen peroxide in laboratory settings.
4. Option: \(\text{BaO}\)
   • Barium oxide \((\text{BaO})\) is not typically used as a reagent for producing hydrogen peroxide directly. It lacks the necessary properties to facilitate the oxidation reaction required for generating hydrogen peroxide.
   • Therefore, it is not suitable for preparing \((D_2 O_2)\) in the laboratory.

Based on the above analysis, the most suitable starting material for the preparation of deuterated hydrogen peroxide \((D_2 O_2)\) in the laboratory is \((K_2 S_2 O_8)\). Potassium persulfate acts as an efficient source by transferring oxygen to deuterated water and forming deuterated hydrogen peroxide.