Aniline Hydrochloride-Formaldehyde Polymer
Description: Solutions of aniline hydrochloride and formaldehyde, when mixed, solidify within seconds to a red, rubbery mass accompanied by a temperature rise of about 40° C. This demonstration is performed in a hood.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 225
Keywords: Polymers, Aniline, Formaldehyde, Plastics
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
- Flammability hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Short and long term aquatic hazard
- Mutagenicity hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Specific organ target toxicity – eyes, blood, respiratory system
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to result is low
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Effects are engaging
Difficulty: High
- Multi-step procedure
- Reaction using toxic compounds
- Use of flammable reagents
- Some sequential manipulations
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat required
- Use of downdraft hood required
- Absorbent material on hand
- Not to be performed in discussion room
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Thermal gloves recommended
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Organic Chemistry, Polymers
Division: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
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