Lightning in a flask is an interesting and spectacular experiment, which resembles a real storm. Concentrated sulfuric acid react with potassium permanganate in presence of isopropyl alcohol to form glamours lightnings with flashes in flask.
Reagents and Equipment.
- Concentrated sulfuric acid (200 ml)
- Isopropyl alcohol (100 ml)
- Potassium permanganate crystals.
- Measuring cylinders or measuring cups.
- A flat-bottomed flask
Step by Step Procedure
- Pour concentrated sulfuric acid into a flask .
- Then carefully add isopropyl alcohol, so that the acid and alcohol don't mix.
- Add potassium permanganate crystal after a while flashes will appear on the dividing line between acid and alcohol.
Process.
Potassium permanganate react with sulfuric acid to form manganese oxide (VII) . It is a powerful oxidizing agent, which oxidizes isoprophyl alcohol into acetone. Then acetone is ignited by the manganese(VII) oxide, thus producing smoke and glamours small lightnings in the flask.
Warning: Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working with concentrated acids. Substances of this experiment are toxic and dangerous for your health. It is supposed to be conducted only under professional supervision.
Good post Please explain more steps
ReplyDeletePour some alcohol or acetone into a flask.
DeleteUse a glass pipette to introduce a layer of sulfuric acid below the alcohol or acetone.
Avoid any mixing of the two liquids, since the demonstration won't work if too much mixing occurs.
Do not handle the test tube beyond this point.
Drop a few crystals of potassium permanganate into the test tube.
Turn out the lights.
The sulfuric acid and the permanganate react to form manganese heptoxide, which explodes when it comes into contact with the alcohol or acetone.
The reaction looks a bit like a thunderstorm in a flask.
When the demonstration is concluded, inactivate the reaction by using metal tongs to place the flask into a large container of water.
Be very careful! There is a chance the flask could shatter.