Kinetics- Briggs-Rauscher Reaction

Briggs-Rauscher Reaction

Description: The most commonly demonstrated oscillator reaction. The color of the solution oscillates between clear brown and deep blue. The period is fairly rapid, but the reaction reaches completion in about 3 – 5 minutes.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1985   Vol: 2   Page: 248

Keywords: Oscillator, Briggs-Rauscher, Color changes, Cyclic

Rating:

Hazard: Medium

• Aquatic toxicity hazard – acute, chronic
• Toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Single exposure toxicity – respiratory system
• Serious eye damage
• Corrosive to metals
• Oxidizing solids
• Electric shock hazard

Effectiveness: Excellent

• Results are deeply engaging to audience
• Obvious contrast between systems
• Time to results is low
• Good reliability

Difficulty: Medium

• Some concerted manipulations
• Procedures with some intermediate steps
• Demos in which toxic reagents are in use

Safety Precautions:

• Gloves required
• Eye protection required
• Perform in a well-ventilated area
• UL approved three-prong plug and outlet required
• Absorbent material on hand
• Sodium thiosulfate on hand
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment
• Avoid exposure to gases, vapors, or mists

Class: Kinetics, Equilibrium, Catalysis, Redox, Oscillating reactions

Division: General, Physical Chemistry

Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations