Cobalt catalysed oxidation of tartrate by H2O2

[mystery172]

why do you add sodium tartrate to hydrogen peroxide is it does not aid in decomposition?

[spotlightman1234]

would this work with potassium bitartrate?

[toothpick93]

what is the chemical equasion for this reaction, and can you use cobalt metal instead or does it have to be cobalt chloride?

[StevieJ2307]

Co(Ii) - pink, gets oxidised to Co(III) - green, and then returns to Co (II). The Cobalt is acting as a catalyst, so is regenerated. H202 decomposes to produce water and oxygen, and tartrate is broken down to release CO2, and something else (not sure what this is). If you add a bit of a fairy liquid to the mixture at the start, you get what's called elephant toothpaste (do in a measuring cylinder).

[derkozten]

Isn't cobalt itself oxidized from Co(II) to Co(III)? What's the "normal" colour for Co(III) complexes?

[LackOfFuel]

I think it's tartrate (III) complex that is formed? It could be peroxo complex to. I've done this when I was working on cobalt (II) and (III) complexses. Nice job!