Energy in a Snack
Description: Melted potassium chlorate is used to oxidize a piece of M&M candy or a Cheeto in a test tube. Makes spectacular purple flame.
This demonstration is available on video and on JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” CD-Rom Vol. 3
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: 2000 Vol: 77 Page: 671
Keywords: Potassium chlorate, M&M, Cheeto, Exothermic, Oxidation
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- High temperature burn hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Oxidizer
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Spectacular effects are seen by audience
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is medium
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Some sequential manipulations
- Some steps in the process may need repetition to succeed
- Prior training required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- High temperature gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Downdraft hood required
- Chemically resistance surface required
- Thermally insulated surface required
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Organic Chemistry, Combustion Reaction
Division: General
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