Preparation and Properties of Sulfur Dioxide
Description: Sulfur dioxide gas is prepared by burning sulfur in a large flask of oxygen containing a small amount of base and indicator. As the sulfur dioxide dissolves in water, the indicator changes colors.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook of Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 184
Keywords: Sulfur dioxide, Indicators, Combustion, Sulfuric acid, Oxidation
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Oxidizer
- Corrosive to metals
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Clearly observable without guidance
- Low failure rate
- Time to results is low
- Strong effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Some sequential manipulations
- Requires attention to detail
- Reactions using or containing toxic compounds
- Reactions or demos at non-standard conditions
- Use of open flames
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Use of downdraft hood or fume hood recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Perform on chemically resistant surface
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Avoid exposure to vapors
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Main Group Elements 6B and 7B, Combustion
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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