Q260: Prep Notes
Introduction
Two solutions are combined in a darkened room, producing luminescence that lasts for several seconds.
Peroxides act as an oxidizing agent. The luminol is converted to an excited-state product. This product decays to the ground state while emitting light. Luminol is 3-aminophthalhydrazide.
Peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent. The luminol is converted to an excited-state product. This product decays to the ground state while emitting light.
Supplies
Short List
- Tubing or spiral glass tube
- Funnel
- Two 250mL beakers
- 600mL beaker
- Large crystallizing dish
- Goggles and gloves
- Paper towels
Chemicals
- Sodium carbonate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Ammonium carbonate
- Cupric sulfate
- 3-aminophthalhydrazide (luminol)
- 30% hydrogen peroxide
Prior to Lecture (prep time ~ ? min.)
- Solution A: Dissolve 4.0g sodium carbonate in 800mL distilled water in a 1L flask. Dissolve 0.2g luminol and add 24.0g sodium bicarbonate, 0.5g ammonium carbonate, and 0.4g cupric sulfate. Stir until all solids are dissolved, dilute to 1L, and store in nalgene bottle.
- Solution B: Dilute 5mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide to 1L with distilled water. Date both solutions (they are stable for approximately one month).
- Assemble the following:
- Spiral delivery tube
- Two 250mL beakers
- 600mL beaker
To Conduct Demonstration
- Position a beaker at the bottom of the spiral tube to collect the solution.
- Turn the lights down or off in the classroom.
- Pour equal amounts of solutions A and B simultaneously into the funnel at the top of the spiral tube.
- OPTIONAL: Activate variously colored light sticks.
Reaction Time: Leave for the rest of the class period
Safety and Disposal
Safety: Eye protection should be worn.
Disposal: dispose of chemicals in the luminol hazardous waste carboy.