Distillation of Liquid “Air”
Description: A 50/50 mixture of liquid N2/O2 is poured into a beaker of room temperature water. The liquids turn to gases and as the boiling continues, more of the Oxygen gas remains as a percentage of total liquid gases in the water. After several seconds, a quenched splint ignites where a few seconds ago it would not ignite.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Air, Oxygen, Boiling points, Combustion, Nitrogen
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Cryogenic burn hazard
- Contains gas under pressure/ explosion hazard
- Asphyxiation hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Oxidizer
- Implosion hazard
- Electric shock hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Somewhat connected to course material
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is medium
- Contrast between behavior of systems is noticeable
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Use of scientific equipment
- Some careful manipulations are required
- Simple procedures
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Cryogenic gloves required
- Protective clothing recommended
- Prepare in a well-ventilated area
- Use UL approved three prong plug and outlet
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
Class: Intermolecular Forces, Separations
Division: General Chemistry
Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations