Transition Metals- Ignition of Hydrogen on a Platinum Catalyst

Ignition of Hydrogen in a Platinum Catalyst

Description: A gentle flow of hydrogen gas is passed through a tube and over a wad of platinized vermiculite or asbestos. The gas ignites with a pop and continues to burn. The ignition may be repeated several times.

Source: UW Card Catalog

Year: N/A   Vol: N/A   Page: N/A

Keywords: Activation energy, Catalysis, Kinetics, Thermochemistry

Rating:

Hazard: High

• Flammability hazard
• Explosion hazard
• Burn hazard
• Asphyxiation hazard
• Carcinogenicity hazard
• Chronic toxicity hazard
• Inhalation hazard

Effectiveness: Good

• Results are clearly observable without guidance
• Clear contrast between systems behavior
• Somewhat connected conceptually to course material
• Low failure rate
• Time to result is low

Difficulty: Medium

• Some sequential manipulations
• Demos at non-standard conditions
• Use of reactive substances
• Use of toxic substances
• Prior training recommended

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• ABC fire extinguisher on hand
• Thermal gloves required
• Perform in well-ventilated area
• No flammable materials in range
• Perform on flame-resistant surface

Class: Kinetics, Transition Metals

Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry

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