In the preparation of Oxygen by way of decomposition of Potassium Chlorate which
chemical compound acts as a catalyst?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Manganese dioxide.
In the laboratory preparation of oxygen from potassium chlorate (KClO3), manganese dioxide (MnO2) acts as a catalyst. A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed itself. Here, MnO2 lowers the activation energy required for the decomposition of potassium chlorate, allowing the reaction to proceed at a much faster rate and at a lower temperature than it would otherwise. The MnO2 remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.