Hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Demonstration of hydrogen peroxide decomposition being catalyzed by manganese(V) oxide. The beaker at left contains hydrogen peroxide, which is breaking down into oxygen (seen as white vapor) and water. Manganese(V) oxide is said to be a catalyst because it increases the rate of this reaction without itself reacting or changing. The equation for this reaction is: 2H202 ----> 2H20 + O2 Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer. It is used as a bleach for clothes, textiles, and paper products. It is also used in chemical engineering and in pollution control.