Combustion of Carbon Disulfide With Nitrous Oxide
Demonstration: A long 57mm I.D. 1.3m glass tube is filled with a clear and colorless gas and stoppered at both ends. The tube is clamped into place. A small quantity of a pale-yellow liquid is added to the tube via syringe. The contents are mixed. The tube is un-stoppered, and the mixture is lit. A blue flame and a loud roar are produced as the reaction quickly proceeds. A yellow solid along with a sulfuric smell are produced by the combustion.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z., “Chemistry Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry”
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Pages: 117 – 118
Keywords: Combustion, Exothermic, Blue, Sulfur, Thermochemistry
Rating: 
Hazards: High
- Acute toxicity- inhalation
- Asphyxiation hazard
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids
- Flammable gas
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Frostbite hazard
- Skin irritation
- Sharps hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Eye irritation
- Reproductive toxicity hazard
- Specific target organ toxicity- repeated exposure – Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System,
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Gas under Pressure
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Spectacular effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is very low
Difficulty: High
- Prior training required
- Use of toxic reagents
- Reactions involve risk of explosion or toxicity
- Multi-step procedures
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Use of sharps container
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Avoid exposure to liquids, vapors, and gases
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to environment
- Perform in a specially designated area
Class: Combustion, Thermodynamics
Division: General
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