Hot tub shock is potassium peroxymonosulfate. When added to a hot tub, it creates bubbles. It is said to oxidize organic debris in the water. What is the reaction?
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1$\begingroup$ Could you elaborate a bit on the observed effects of a hot tub shock? $\endgroup$– ManishEarthSep 22, 2012 at 14:28
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$\begingroup$ It bubbles when added to the hot tub. I misstated the chemical--it is potassium peroxymonosulfate. $\endgroup$– RichardbernsteinSep 22, 2012 at 19:35
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1 Answer
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There are several properties you can infer from the compound's name.
The compound is ionic, which the structure
cation [...]-ateinforms us. In this case, we're dealing with the potassium salt of peroxymonosulfuric acid. This should therefore dissolve pretty well in water.The compound will be an oxidizer, in the conditions present in your bathtub.
peroxymeans the compound contains an $\ce{O-O}$ bond, which breaks up homolytically (one electron per oxygen) to give radicals (quite reactive species, electronically unhappy).
As per both hints, the compound is expected to be pretty effective at "eating" through organic deposits, by oxidizing them, rendering some soluble. It should also decrease pH, but not so drastically as it is already the conjugate base of sulfuric acid (which can let go of two protons).
About the bubbling: it most probably is $\ce{CO2}$ coming from the oxidation of the organic matter.
