The Copper Mirror
Description: A tollens type redox reaction is carried out in a test tube using ammonium hydroxide, copper acetate and hydrazine to form a Copper zero surface on the inner surface.
Cu(CH3COO)(aq) + 4NH4OH(aq) + NH2NH2(l) → Cu(s) + 2CH3COO–(aq) + N2(g) + 2NH4+(g) + 4H2O(l) + 2NH3(g) + H2(g)
Source: UW Card Catalog, Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1992 Vol: 4 Page: 224
Ratings: 
Keywords: Redox reaction, Copper, Hydrazine, Organic chemistry, Entropy
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard- oral
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Short-term (acute) aquatic hazard
- Long-term (chronic) aquatic hazard
- Corrosive to metals
- Specific target organ toxicity-single exposure hazard- respiratory system
- Oxidizing liquids
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable without guidance
- Somewhat connected conceptually to the course material
- Time to results is low
- High failure rate
Difficulty: Medium
- Reactions of demos at non-standard conditions
- Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
- Some careful manipulations required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Avoid exposure to gases, mists, and vapors
- Avoid release of reagents to the environment
- Do not expose to open flame
- Absorbent materials on hand
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
Class: Reduction/ Oxidation Reactions, Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds
Division: Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry Compounds
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