Combustion of Cellulose Nitrate (Guncotton)
Description: Previously prepared guncotton is ignited with a flame. The reaction is contrasted with regular cotton.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstration: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 43
Keywords: Combustion, Exothermic, Guncotton, Cellulose nitrate
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Fire hazard
- Explosion hazard
- Mild toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Experiment challenges preconceived concepts
- Superior reliability
- Time to results is very low
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of reactive or flammable substances
- Reaction at non-standard conditions
- Simple procedures
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Fire resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- No flammable materials near demo
- Tongs required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
Class: Organic Chemistry, Thermochemistry, Combustion Reactions
Division: General, Organic Chemistry
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