Nonburning Dollar Bill
Description: A dollar bill is soaked in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Hold up the bill with tongs, and touch a match to it. A flame will appear, but the dollar bill itself does not burn. A small towel may be substituted for a dollar bill.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 13
Keywords: Dollar bill, Isopropyl Alcohol, Water, Endothermic
Ratings: 
Hazard: Some
- Eye irritation
- Specific organ toxicity hazard – central nervous system
- Flammable liquids
Effectiveness: Good
- Some connection from demo to course material
- High reliability
- Counterintuitive effects are seen
- Time to results is low
- Results are observable without guidance
Difficulty: Some
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Use of open flame
- Some manipulations with scientific equipment
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform on fire resistant surface
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent material on hand
Class: Combustion, Properties of Solutions
Division: General
Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations