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
Reaction of Aluminum and Mercury (II) Chloride
Energy in a Snack
Description: Melted potassium chlorate is used to oxidize a piece of M&M candy or a Cheeto in a test tube. Makes spectacular purple flame.
This demonstration is available on video and on JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” CD-Rom Vol. 3
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: 2000 Vol: 77 Page: 671
Keywords: Potassium chlorate, M&M, Cheeto, Exothermic, Oxidation
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- High temperature burn hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Oxidizer
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Spectacular effects are seen by audience
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is medium
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Some sequential manipulations
- Some steps in the process may need repetition to succeed
- Prior training required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- High temperature gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Downdraft hood required
- Chemically resistance surface required
- Thermally insulated surface required
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Organic Chemistry, Combustion Reaction
Division: General
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