Reaction of Zinc and Sulfur
Description: Insertion of red-hot wire into a small pile of powdered zinc and sulfur results in a large puff of yellowish smoke.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” vol. 3 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 53
Keywords: Zinc, Sulfur, Yellowish smoke, Exothermic
Ratings: 
Hazard: Medium
- Oxidizer
- Flammability hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Burn hazard
- Skin irritation
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Good reliability
- Time to results is low
- Strong effects are seen by audience
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Time-dependent manipulation
- Temperature-dependent initiation
- Procedures with some intermediate steps
- Some careful manipulations required
Safety Precautions:
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Thermal gloves recommended
- Heat resistant surface required
- Eye protection required
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors
- Minimum height three-meter ceiling
Class: Main Group Chemistry
Division: General
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