Disappearing Coffee Cup
Description: Styrofoam quickly breaks down and “disappears” when placed in acetone. The material does not dissolve; it merely changes form.
Source: Summerlin, L.R. and Ealy, J.L. Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers; 2nd Edition
Year: 1988 Vol: 2 Page: 96
Keywords: Styrofoam, Acetone, Air, Structural collapse, Polystyrene
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Flammability hazard
- Toxicity hazard – central nervous system – single exposure
- Eye irritation hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Clear contrast between behavior of systems
- Time to results is low
- Some connection from demo to course material
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- High reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of toxic reagents
- Handling of organic chemicals
- Simple procedures
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Avoid contact with vapors or droplets
- Avoid open flames
Class: Organic Chemistry, Intermolecular Forces, Emulsions
Division: General, Organic Chemistry
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