Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton)
Comparing the Specific Heat of Metals II
Endothermic Reactions of Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Salts
Explosive Decomposition of Nitrogen Triiodide
Explosive Reaction of Hydrogen and Oxygen
Comparing the Specific Heat of Metals I
Decomposition of Ammonium Dichromate
Evaporation as an Endothermic Process
Evaporation of Ether is Endothermic
Explosions of Lycopodium and Other Powders
Reaction of Calcium Oxide and Water
Reaction of Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine
Spontaneous Combustion of White Phosphorus
Reactions of Metals and Hydrochloric Acid
Combustion of Carbon Disulfide With Nitrous Oxide
Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton)
Description: Previously prepared guncotton is ignited with a flame. The reaction is contrasted with regular cotton.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstration: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 43
Keywords: Combustion, Exothermic, Guncotton, Cellulose nitrate
Rating:
Hazard: Medium
- Fire hazard
- Explosion hazard
- Mild toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Experiment challenges preconceived concepts
- Superior reliability
- Time to results is very low
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of reactive or flammable substances
- Reaction at non-standard conditions
- Simple procedures
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Fire resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- No flammable materials near demo
- Tongs required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
Class: Nitrations, Addition Reactions
Division: General, Organic Chemistry
The demonstration Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton) may be found under Organic Chemistry- Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton).
Return to General Chemistry Demonstrations