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    Preparation of Oxygen

    Uploaded by

    Aman Tamrkar

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Preparation of Oxygen

    Uploaded by

    Aman Tamrkar
    67 views2 pages

    Original Title

    Preparation of oxygen

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    Copyright:

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    67 views2 pages

    Preparation of Oxygen

    Uploaded by

    Aman Tamrkar

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 2

    THE PREPARATION OF OXYGEN

    ©2007 by David A. Katz. All rights reserved.


    Permission for educational use as long as original copyright is included.

    David A Katz
    Chemist, Educator, Science Communicator, and Consultant
    133 N. Desert Stream Dr., Tucson, AZ 85745
    Voice: 520-624-2207 Email: [email protected]

    INTRODUCTION
    One of the most exciting demonstrations in chemistry is the production of oxygen
    and the glowing splint test. I have performed this as a demonstration and as an
    activity as part of a classroom workshop. I never cease to marvel at the
    excitement on the faces of the audience as the glowing splint bursts into flame
    when placed in an enriched oxygen atmosphere.

    This demonstration should immediately follow The Chemical Genie as part of the
    explanation for that demonstration.

    MATERIALS NEEDED
    Flask, 500 mL. Florence flask (flat bottomed round, boiling flask) preferred.
    Wood splints
    Matches
    Candle or burner
    Tongs, crucible tongs or similar
    6% hydrogen peroxide (approximate concentration) – can be made by diluting 1
    part 30% hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water.
    manganese dioxide OR potassium iodide OR active dry yeast (catalyst to speed
    the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide)

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
    Wear safety goggles or glasses

    6% hydrogen peroxide is caustic to the skin and eyes. Handle with care. In case of
    skin contact, rinse the affected areas well with water. Store unused hydrogen
    peroxide in a freezer reserved for laboratory chemicals only.

    Manganese dioxide is a strong oxidant, avoid contact with organic material.


    Inhalation can lead to increased incidence of respiratory infection and effects on the
    central nervous system. It is assumed to be harmful if swallowed. Avoid dust.
    Wash hands well after handling.

    This reaction generates heat. Use only Pyrex-type or heat-proof containers.

    DISPOSAL
    Hydrogen peroxide can be disposed of down the drain with running water.
    Manganese dioxide should be disposed of as solid waste in an approved landfill.

    PROCEDURE
    Place the hydrogen peroxide solution in the flask. Ad a small amount of
    manganese dioxide or other suitable catalyst to speed up the decomposition of the
    hydrogen peroxide. Note that the solution is bubbling.

    Light a candle or a burner.

    Holding a wood splint with tongs, light the end of the wood splint. Allow it to
    burn for a few seconds until you notice that the end of the wood splint is glowing
    red. Blow out the flame. Insert the glowing end of the wood splint into the flask.
    If sufficient oxygen has been generated, the wood splint will burst into flame.
    Withdraw the burning splint from the flask.

    This demonstration can be repeated several times until the reaction has ceased.

    EXPLANATION
    This reaction is the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide:

    2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2

    This is the “classic” test for oxygen gas.

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