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
Decomposition of Ammonium Dichromate
Description: Ignition of a pile of ammonium dichromate produces a voluminous green solid, sparks, and smoke, resembling a volcanic eruption.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol. 1 Page 81
Keywords: Combustion, Thermochemistry, Oxidation, Reduction, Decomposition
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Burn hazard
- Oxidizing solids
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
- Serious eye damage
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Reproductive toxicity hazard
- Germ cell mutagenicity hazard
- Respiratory sensitization hazard
- Skin sensitization hazard
- Flammability hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Observable without guidance
- Some connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is low
- Moderate reliability
- Mild effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Careful manipulations required
- Use of toxic substances
- Procedures with intermediate steps
- Prior training required
- Reaction at non-standard conditions
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid inhalation with or contact with reagents
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
Class: Combustion, Redox
Division: General
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