Groups IV, V, IVB, and VB (14 and 15)- Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia

Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia

Description: Ammonia, from concentrated ammonium hydroxide, oxidizes on the surface of hot platinum in the presence of air. Since the reaction is exothermic, the platinum turns red, and this can be seen in a dark room.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1985   Vol: 2   Page: 214

Keywords: Ammonia, Oxidation, Catalysis, Ostwald Process, Platinum

Rating:

Hazard: Medium

• Acute toxicity hazard
• Inhalation hazard
• Burn hazard
• Flammability hazard
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Serious eye damage
• Acute aquatic toxicity hazard
• Specific organ toxicity single exposure-respiratory system

Effectiveness: Average

• Mild effects are seen by audience
• Time to results is medium
• Moderate failure rate
• Good connection from demo to course material

Difficulty: Medium

• Some concerted or timed manipulations
• Reactions or demos at non-standard conditions
• Prior training recommended
• Procedures with some intermediate steps

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Thermal gloves recommended
• Avoid inhalation of vapors
• Perform in a well-ventilated area
• ABC fire extinguisher on hand
• Sodium bicarbonate on hand
• Absorbent materials on hand
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Kinetics, Groups IV, V, IVB, and VB (14 and 15)

Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry

Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations