Preparation and Properties of Liquid Oxygen
Description: Liquid oxygen is prepared by submersing a copper coil into liquid nitrogen and blowing oxygen through it from an oxygen tank. It is paramagnetic when in the field of a strong magnet.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol 2 CD-Rom
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 147
Keywords: Oxygen, Liquid, Paramagnetism, Nitrogen, MO theory, Diamagnetism
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Cryogenic burn hazard
- Asphyxiation hazard
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Oxidizer
- Electric shock hazard
- Gases under pressure hazard
- Implosion hazard – Dewar Flask
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Superior reliability
- Spectacular or counter-intuitive effects are seen
- Experiment challenges preconceived concepts
- Negligible failure rate
- Excellent connection to course material
- Time to effects is low
Difficulty: Medium
- Sequential manipulations
- Use of cryogenic equipment
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Demos in which a display is used
- Prior training recommended
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Cryogenic gloves are required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Perform in well-ventilated area
- Avoid use of ferromagnetic objects in magnetic field
- Temperature resistant surface recommended
- Avoid exposure to open flames
- Secure pressurized tanks during use and transport
Class: Bonding, Physical Chemistry, Intermolecular Forces
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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