Decomposition of Ammonium Dichromate
Description: Ignition of a pile of ammonium dichromate produces a voluminous green solid, sparks, and smoke, resembling a volcanic eruption.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol. 1 Page 81
Keywords: Combustion, Thermochemistry, Oxidation, Reduction, Decomposition
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Burn hazard
- Oxidizing solids
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
- Serious eye damage
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Reproductive toxicity hazard
- Germ cell mutagenicity hazard
- Respiratory sensitization hazard
- Skin sensitization hazard
- Flammability hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Observable without guidance
- Some connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is low
- Moderate reliability
- Mild effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Careful manipulations required
- Use of toxic substances
- Procedures with intermediate steps
- Prior training required
- Reaction at non-standard conditions
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid inhalation with or contact with reagents
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
Class: Combustion, Redox
Division: General
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