Reaction of Zinc and Iodine
Description: The addition of a few mL of water to a mixture of elemental Zinc and Iodine results in evolution of purple vapor and heat.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 49
Keywords: Zinc, Iodine, Exothermic, Water, Vapor, Heat
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – dermal, inhalation
- Eye irritation
- Short term aquatic toxicity hazard
- Burn hazard
- Skin irritation
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to results is low
- Moderate reliability
- Moderate effects are seen by audience
- Fair connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Intermediate steps to results
- Demo at non-standard conditions
- Volume-dependent additions for proper results
- Prior training recommended
- Sequential manipulations
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Thermal gloves recommended
- Lab coat recommended
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Heat resistant surface recommended
- Avoid exposure to gases, dusts, and vapors
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Transition Metal Chemistry
Division: General
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