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
Thermite Reaction
Description: Iron oxide reacts with aluminum to produce molten iron.
A) The reaction is initiated by the heat from a sparkler which is placed in the iron oxide/aluminum mixture.
B) The reaction is initiated by the heat from glycerin plus potassium permanganate.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol. 1 Page: 85
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Flammability hazard
- Combustible metal hazard
- Explosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Burn hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Spectacular effects are seen by audience
- Very good connection from demo to course material
- High reliability
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to results is low
Difficulty: Medium
- Sequential manipulations
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Simple procedures
- Use of special equipment
- Prior training required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Lab coat recommended
- High temperature gloves required
- Flame resistant surface
- Special containment required
- Downdraft hood required
- Class D fire extinguisher on hand
- Use of tongs required for manipulation of molten iron
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Redox, Thermochemistry
Division: General
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