School Science Lessons
Topic 14 Thermochemistry, heat of reaction, iron, chemiluminescence
2012-01-25 SP
Please send comments to: J.Elfick@uq.edu.au
Table of contents
14.0.0 Thermochemistry
14.01 Energy of reactions, enthalpy, thermal capacity,
heat of reaction, Hess's law
14.1.0 Exothermic reactions, reactions that give
out heat energy
14.2.0 Endothermic reactions, reactions that take
in heat energy
14.3.0 Chemiluminesce, bioluminescence
12.8.0 Iron, Fe
12.8.0 Iron, Fe
12.8.1 Reactions of iron (II) salts and iron
(III) salts, Prussian blue
12.8.2 Rusting
12.8.3 Oxidation of iron (II) salts
12.8.4 Burn steel wool
12.8.5 Reduction of iron (III) salts
12.8.6 Heat iron filings with powdered sulfur
12.8.7 Prepare iron (II) oxide, FeO
12.8.8 Heat iron (II) sulfide, (FeS2,
pyrite, fool's gold)
12.8.9 Prepare iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3
12.8.10 Show that black iron oxide is
a mixed base
12.8.11 Iron displaces hydrogen from sulfuric
acid to form iron (II) sulfate
12.8.12 Iron displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric
acid to form pale green iron (II) chloride
12.8.13 Heat hydrated iron chlorides
12.8.14 Prepare iron (II) ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4.FeSO4.6H2O
12.8.15 Detect iron in fruit juice using back
tea
12.14.3 Prepare iron (IlI) ammonium alum, (NH4)2SO4.Fe2(SO4)3.24H2O,
from its constituent salts
14.1.0 Exothermic reactions,
reactions that give out heat energy
14.1.0 Exothermic reactions, reactions that give out heat energy
3.80 Exothermic reactions, Reactions
that give out heat energy,
14.2.6 Combustion of potassium nitrate, fire line
on paper, string fuse
3.52.0 Conditions necessary for rusting
14.1.2 Copper (II) sulfate solution
with magnesium
3.83 Heat of copper displacement reaction
14.1.6 Heat of displacement reaction,
zinc with copper (II) sulfate solution
3.82 Heat of neutralization reaction
14.1.5 Heat of neutralization of hydrochloric
acid with sodium hydroxide
14.1.5.1 Heat of neutralization with
a simple calorimeter, dilute hydrochloric acid / ethanoic acid with sodium
hydroxide solution
14.1.7 Heat of reaction, potassium permanganate
with glycerol
14.1.4 Heat of rusting of steel wool
14.1.1 Heat of solution of anhydrous copper (II)
sulfate
14.1.12 Iron powder heat pack
3.52.1 Mass of iron and its temperature
increases during rusting
3.52.3 Metals can prevent rusting
3.52.2 Oxygen combines with iron during
rusting
14.1.11 Sodium acetate heat pack
14.1.13 Sodium thiosulfate heat pack
14.1.3 Sulfuric acid with water
5.03 Supersaturated solution of sodium ethanoate-3-water,
"heat-pack"
14.1.9 Test heat of reaction, chromium
(VI) oxide with ethanol
14.1.8 Test heat of reaction, potassium
permanganate with ethanol
14.1.10 Test heat of reaction, potassium
with diethyl ether
14.2.0 Endothermic reactions, reactions that take
in heat energy
Order online: Ice Melting Blocks,
endothermic heat flow
14.2.0 Endothermic reactions, reactions that take in heat energy
3.81 Reactions that take in heat energy,
endothermic reactions
14.2.1 Ammonium salts and potassium salts with
water
14.2.2 Urea with water
14.2.3 Ammonium carbonate with ethanoic acid
14.2.4 Ammonium nitrate cold pack
14.2.5 Potassium nitrate with water
14.2.7 Refrigerants
14.3.0 Chemiluminescence, bioluminescence
14.3.0 Chemiluminescence, bioluminescence
14.3.0.1 Luminol
14.01 Energy of reactions, enthalpy, thermal capacity,
heat of reaction, Hess's law
1. Pairs of atoms may be bound together by the sharing of electrons between
them in a covalent bond. Two or more atoms bound together by one or more
covalent bonds form a molecule, with definite size, shape and arrangement
of bonds. An atom or group of atoms covalently bound together may gain or
lose one or more electrons to form ions.
2. Ionic bonding occurs when positive and negative ions are held together
in a crystal lattice by electrostatic forces. When chemical bonds, whether
ionic or covalent, form between different elements, a chemical compound
is obtained, which can be represented by a chemical formula.
3. Forces weaker than covalent bonding exist between molecules. The structure
of a metal involves positive ions embedded in a sea of electrons.
4. All chemicals contain two kinds of energy, kinetic energy of the particles
and the energy stored in their chemical bonds. Energy is absorbed when
chemical bonds are broken and energy is released when chemical bonds form.
In a chemical reaction, some bonds are broken in the reactants and some
bonds form in the products.
5. The reaction is exothermic if the energy absorbed in bond breaking
< energy released when bonds form. In an exothermic reaction, water containing
the reacting ions become hotter because of the heat energy released by
the ions. The reaction is endothermic if the energy absorbed in bond breaking
> energy released when bonds form. In an endothermic reaction, water
containing the ions becomes colder because the ions absorb heat energy.
Energy is measured in joules (J) or kilojoules (kJ).
6. Enthalpy, heat content, refers to the energy stored in a substance.
Enthalpy, H = U + PV, where U = internal energy, P = pressure and V = volume,
of a system. The SI unit is the joule.
7. Thermal capacity (heat capacity) is the ratio of how much heat is
supplied to the resulting rise in temperature.
Specific heat capacity refers to the mass of the substance and is measured
in J K-1 kg-1.
Molar heat capacity refers to amount of substance and is measured in
J K-1 mol-1 (K = kelvin, oK = - 273.15 Co).
8. Heat of reaction, (enthalpy of reaction) DH, can be expressed as heat
of combustion, heat of crystallization, heat of formation, heat of neutralization,
heat of solution. DH is the heat change for a reaction in kJ per mol of
reactant or product. If DH is negative the reaction is exothermic. If DH
is positive the reaction is endothermic.
9. Hess's law, law of additivity, law of constant heat summation, states
that the overall energy change from react ants to products is the same
by direct reaction or any other route. So if equations can be added to
give a final equation the heats of reaction of each equation can be added
to give the heat of reaction of the final equation. This law is an example
of the principle of conservation of energy. For example:
Reaction 1 H2SO4 (10 M) + NaOH (1 M) --> NaHSO4
(0.5 M) + H2O, dH1
Reaction 2 H2SO4 (10 M) + solvent --> H2SO4
(1 M) dH2
Reaction 3 H2SO4 (1M) + NaOH (1 M) --> NaHSO4
(0.5 M) + H2O, dH3
dH1 = dH2 + dH3
14.1.0 Exothermic reactions
Energy from chemical reactions
The heat of reaction, DH (δH) is the heat change for a reaction in
kJ per mol of reactant or product. This is also called the enthalpy of reaction.
For endothermic reactions, DH (δH) is positive. For exothermic reactions,
DH (δH) is negative.
A --> B + xkJ
i.e. A --> B, DH =- xkJ / mol A
Be careful! The reactions may be vigorous!
14.1.1 Heat of solution of anhydrous copper (II)
sulfate
1. Use a test-tube containing a thermometer. Record the initial temperature.
Put anhydrous copper (II) sulfate powder in the test-tube. Add water drop
by drop. Record the changes in temperature of the solution.
2. Put white anhydrous copper (II) sulfate powder to a depth of 1 cm
in a test-tube. Hold a thermometer with the bulb in the powder. Add water
drop by drop. Record the changes of the thermometer reading.
14.1.2 Copper (II) sulfate solution with magnesium
1. Pour concentrated copper (II) sulfate solution into the test-tube.
Add very small pieces of magnesium ribbon until the blue colour disappears.
BE CAREFUL! The reaction is vigorous. Record
the change in temperature of the solution.
2. Put 10 mL of strong aqueous copper (II) sulfate solution into a wide
test-tube or small container. Support a thermometer with the bulb in the
solution. Add magnesium powder, or ribbon, a little at a time until the blue
colour disappears. Note any changes in the thermometer reading.
14.1.3 Sulfuric acid with water
Be careful! When diluting strong acids
always slowly add ACID to WATER. Never add water to acid.
Add concentrated sulfuric acid very slowly to water. Stir the mixture
thoroughly each time a small amount of acid is added. Note any change in temperature.
Pass hydrogen chloride gas into water. Add acetic acid to water. Acetic acid,
a weak acid, produces less heat than the strong acids sulfuric acid and hydrochloric
acid.
1. To a little water in a wide test-tube, add concentrated sulfuric acid,
drop by drop, down the side of the test-tube. Stir gently with a thermometer
after the addition of each drop. Note any changes in the thermometer reading.
2. Pour 2 cm of water into a test-tube. Add concentrated sulfuric acid
drop by drop down the side of the tube. BE CAREFUL!
Stir gently with a thermometer after the addition of each drop. Record
the changes in temperature of the solution. Pour dilute sodium hydroxide
solution into the test-tube. Test with litmus paper. Red litmus paper turns
blue. Add dilute hydrochloric acid until the litmus paper turns to a colour
between blue and red. Record the changes in temperature of the solution.
14.1.4 Heat from rusting of steel wool
See 3.52.2: Oxygen combines with iron
during rusting
1. Moisten some steel wool with iron chloride solution to accelerate
rusting. Wrap the bulb of a thermometer in the steel wool. Hang in a draught
free place. Note the temperature changes as rust forms.
2. Roll some steel wool into a ball and weigh it. Use tongs to hold the
ball of steel wool over a sheet of paper. Heat the steel wool over a burner
until red-hot. Remove the burner and blow gently on the red-hot steel wool
until it stops burning. Weigh the burned steel wool and any fragments that
have fallen on to the sheet of paper. The weight is greater because the
iron oxide that forms is heavier than the steel wool.
14.1.5 Heat of neutralization with a simple calorimeter,
dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solution
The heat of neutralization reaction of strong acids with bases is -58
kJ / mol. The heat of neutralization = the heat of formation of one mole of
water molecules from the ions. Since the reacting particles release energy
by giving this to the solution, the energy change can be written: H (change
of heat) = x -kJ / mol, which is the heat released when one mole of hydrogen
ions (H+) reacts with one mole of hydroxide ions (OH-).
Both 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid and 1 mol / L sodium hydroxide have a density
of 1 g / mL. The mass of 50 mL of 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid is therefore
equal to 005 kg, i.e. m1 = 005 kg, so is the mass of 50 mL of
1 mol / L sodium hydroxide solution, i.e. m2 = 005 kg. Consequently,
the heat released by this neutralization reaction can be calculated as
follows:
Quantity of heat = mass X specific heat X change in temperature.
Q = (005 + 005) X 42 X (t1 - t2).
H+ (aq) + OH- (aq) ---> H2O (l)
1. Make a simple calorimeter by using a plastic cup inside an insulated
box. Pour 50 mL of 2 M hydrochloric acid into the plastic cup and record
the initial temperature. Pour 50 mL of 2 M sodium hydroxide solution into
a beaker and note the original temperature. Wait until the initial temperatures
are the same, then add the sodium hydroxide solution to the plastic cup
while stirring constantly with the thermometer. Record the highest temperature.
Assume that the specific heat capacity of this weak solution is the same
as water = 42 kJ / kg / oC. Also, assume that all the heat from the
reaction heats the water, raising the temperature from t1 to
t2. Calculate how much heat that would be produced if 1 M of
sodium hydroxide is neutralized by 1 M of hydrochloric acid.
2. Dissolve 40 g of sodium hydroxide pellets in water and make up to
500 mL, a 2M solution. Prepare 500 mL of a 2M hydrochloric acid solution
and leave to cool. Note the temperature of the solutions when cool. Quickly
add the acid to the base and stir with a thermometer. Note the maximum temperature
reached. The increase of temperature should be 13oC. You have
doubled the volume of water adding one solution to the other so the final
solution contains 1 mole of OH- (aq) ions that reacted with 1
mole of H+ (aq) ions to form 1 mole of water molecules. Assume
that the specific heat of this weak solution is the same as the specific
heat of water.
14.1.5.1 Heat of neutralization with a simple
calorimeter, dilute hydrochloric acid / ethanoic acid with sodium hydroxide
solution
See diagram 3.1.5: Heat of neutralization
Neutralization heat is the formation heat of one mole of water molecules
from H+ and OH- ions. The measured value of neutralization
heat is thus Q / 005 If no insulated cup is available in the lab, the following
simple apparatus can be used instead.
1. Place some strips of paper in the bottom of a large beaker, and then
stand a small beaker on the paper strips. Stuff the space between the two
beakers with a lot more strips of paper. Cover the mouth of the large beaker
using a piece of cardboard to reduce heat loss. Repeat the experiment with
1 mol / L ethanoic acid (acetic acid) replacing hydrochloric acid. The determined
value of neutralization heat will be lower because ethanoic acid is a weak
acid, mainly existing in molecular form in aqueous solution. Therefore,
some energy released by the neutralization must be used to ionize the ethanoic
acid molecules.
2. Repeat the experiment with equal concentrations of other strong acids
and bases. The heat of neutralization, J, is the same because the same
chemical reaction above occurs.
Na+ + OH- + H+ + Cl- -->
Na+ + Cl- + H2O + J joules
OH- + H+ --> H2O + J joules
3. Repeat the experiment using 2 M ethanoic acid, acetic acid, HAc. The
heat of neutralization, J1, is lower. Ethanoic acid is a weak acid mainly
in molecular form. Some energy from the heat of neutralization is used
to ionize the ethanoic acid molecules.
HAc + J1 --> H+ + Ac-
So the heat evolved = J - J1
14.1.6 Heat from a displacement reaction, zinc
with copper (II) sulfate solution
See diagram 3.2.83: Heat from a displacement
reaction
1. Use 02 M copper (II) sulfate solution and zinc or iron. Use a plastic
container or a glass bottle, insulated with a polystyrene jacket for insulation,
with a one hole stopper fitted with a thermometer. Put 25 mL of 02 M copper
(II) sulfate in the container. Replace the stopper invert and shake gently.
Record the initial temperature of this solution. Add 05 g of zinc dust.
The amount is more than needed to ensure that all the copper (II) sulfate
is used up in the reaction. Replace the stopper, invert the bottle and shake
gently. Record the highest temperature reached. The temperature difference
should be about 10oC.
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) --> Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)
2. Put 25 mL 0.2 M copper (II) sulfate solution in a 100 mL plastic bottle
fitted with a one-hole stopper and thermometer. Replace the stopper, invert
the bottle and shake it gently. Record the temperature of this solution.
Turn the bottle the right way up, remove the stopper and add 0.5 g of zinc
dust. The quantity of zinc powder is in excess to ensure that all the copper
(II) sulfate is used up in the reaction, so some zinc will remain when the
reaction stops. Replace the stopper, invert the bottle, and shake gently.
Record the highest temperature reached. Calculate the rise of temperature.
This rise of temperature in not affected by the volume of 0.2 M copper (II)
sulfate used for the experiment. For a 1 M solution, multiply the rise in
temperature by 5 (5 X 0.2M = 1.0 M). The reactants lost energy to the solution.
The temperature change is usually between 9oC and 10oC.
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) --> Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)
3. Repeat the experiment with 0.5 g of iron powder or iron filings. This
amount is again in excess so that all the copper (II) sulfate will be used
up in the reaction. The temperature change is usually between 6oC
and 7oC.
The zinc metal became zinc ions and copper ions became copper metal due
to transfer of electrons from zinc metal to the copper ion. To get electrical
energy, these electrons must flow in an external conductor, e.g. a wire,
from the zinc to the copper. The potential or voltage will reflect the greater
activity of zinc over copper. The current flowing will depend on the extent
and rate of the reaction
14.1.7 Heat of reaction, potassium permanganate
with glycerol
BE CAREFUL! This is a dangerous experiment. Use
very small quantities and follow your safety rules. Remember that strong
oxidants should be stored separately from flammable organic chemicals.
Put a few drops of glycerol on a few fine crystals of potassium permanganate
in an evaporating basin. Observe the effect of heat of reaction.
14.1.8 Heat of reaction, with potassium permanganate
with ethanol
BE CAREFUL! This is a dangerous experiment Use
very small quantities and follow your safety rules. Remember that strong
oxidants should be stored separately from flammable organic chemicals.
Add alcohol to cotton wool in an evaporating basin. Dip a glass rod into
concentrated sulfuric acid, then touch crystals of potassium permanganate.
Touch the cotton wool with the glass rod. Be Careful!
The heat from the formation of manganese (VII) oxide
on the glass rod ignites the alcohol.
14.1.9 Heat of reaction, chromium (VI) oxide with
ethanol
This experiment is too dangerous for schools.
Be Careful! Use very small quantities and follow
your safety rules Remember that strong oxidants should be stored separately
from flammable organic chemicals.
Add ethanol to a piece of mineral wool in an evaporating dish. Drop a
very small amount of chromium (VI) oxide on the mineral wool. Be Careful! The heat of reaction ignites the alcohol.
Red chromium (VI) oxide it is reduced to green chromium (III) oxide.
2CrO3 (s) + C2H5OH (l) + 3 / 2O2
(g) ---> Cr2O3 (s) + 2CO2 (g) + 3H2O
(l)
14.1.10 Heat of reaction, potassium with diethyl
ether
This experiment is too dangerous for schools but see the animation from
Chemistry Department, University of Leeds, in "Interesting websites".
BE CAREFUL! THIS IS A DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT! Use
very small quantities and follow your safety rules. Remember that strong
oxidants should be stored separately from flammable organic chemicals. Diethyl
ether has an ignition temperature about 80oC. A mixture of diethyl
ether vapour and air is explosive!
Put a very small piece of potassium metal and a few drops of diethyl
ether in a beaker covered with a watch glass. Pour water into the large
beaker BE CAREFUL! The potassium metal reacts violently
with the water producing heat. The heat ignites the hydrogen gas
produced in the reaction. Then the heat ignites the diethyl ether.
K (s) + 2H2O (l) ---> 2KOH (s) + H2 (g)
14.1.11 Sodium acetate heat pack
Heat packs provide instant, portable and reusable heat and generate heat
for two to three hours. To reactivate after use, boil the heat pack in
water until it is clear and then remove and let cool. Heat packs may contain
sodium acetate, which will freeze at 54ºC in an open container. However,
when this solution is in a sealed container, the solution can be cooled
below this temperature, as low as -10ºC. Flexing a metal "trigger"
within the sealed container causes a few molecules of liquid to crystallize
which starts a chain reaction causing the supercooled solution to change
from a liquid to a solid as crystals form. This phase change causes the pack
to give out heat. When the heat pack contents crystallize, its temperature
returns its freezing point. This super-cooled solution can be stored for
extended periods and still crystallizes on demand Once the unit has given
off all of its heat, it is then recycled by heating it in boiling water.
The crystals dissolve in their own water of crystallization so the heat pack
returns back to a liquid state and then is allowed to cool below its freezing
temperature. It is then ready to be activated again.
14.1.12 Iron powder heat pack
1. Disposable heat packs are used for transporting small animals that
need heat to survive the journey, e.g. sugar gliders. Open the outer wrapper
and remove the inner pad. Shake the contents in open air and heat will
begin to be generated in 4-5 minutes Place the heat source in shipping containers.
After use, dispose of an outer wrapper and expired heat pack. The contents
are high grade iron powder that undergoes rapid rusting with heat as a
by-product, activated charcoal powder, cellulose, zeolite and water.
2. Instant hot packs: Remove inner pack Squeeze or shake several times.
Allow a few minutes to warm up Keep covered in pocket, glove or clothing
for maximum warmth. Caution: Store in cool dry place.
The hot pack has an outer plastic bag. The inside bag is made from cloth
or a paper with many tiny holes and contains a mixture of iron powder,
salt, charcoal and sawdust, all dampened with water. When the paper bag
is removed from the plastic bag and shaken vigorously it gets hot Iron
is reacting with oxygen gas in the air to make iron oxide or rust.
3. Rusting experiment: Label three test-tubes 1, 2 and 3. Roll up some
iron wool, steel wool, to make three little balls that will fit inside the
test-tubes. Put one ball in each test-tube. Leave test-tube 1 as a control.
Add water to test-tube 2 until the ball is half covered. Shake the tube to
wet all the steel wool. Add salt water to test-tube 3 until the steel wool
is half covered. Shake the tube to wet all the steel wool 5 Put the three
tubes where they won't be disturbed. Observe them after a week.
4. Observe the heat energy given off when iron rusts in a hand warmer.
Put 25 g of iron powder or very fine iron filings and 1 g of sodium chloride
in a small plastic bag. Shake the bag to mix. Add about a tablespoon of
vermiculite or sawdust or sand to the bag and shake well. Add 5 mL of water
and seal the bag without squashing out all the air. Shake the bag vigorously.
A reaction should start after about a minute. Record what happens.
5. Put iron powder in a plastic bag, e.g. a "Ziploc" bag. Add sodium
chloride and mix contents by shaking the closed bag. Add 1 tablespoon of
small vermiculite pieces and mix again. Add 5 mL water to the bag and seal
with a twist tie. Squeeze and shake the bag. After 2 minutes feel the bag
and observe the heat produced. The iron powder and the oxygen in the bag
react to form iron oxide. Salt speeds this reaction and is therefore a catalyst.
The vermiculite insulation ensures that the heat stays in the bag. The iron
oxide formed is a compound.
2Fe + 3O2 ---> Fe2O3 + heat
14.1.13 Sodium thiosulfate heat pack
Fill a test-tube 3 / 4 full of sodium thiosulfate crystals. Heat the crystals
over a Bunsen burner until all of the crystals have melted. Let the clear
colourless liquid cool to room temperature. It contains supercooled sodium
thiosulfate and it should not recrystallize. Place one seed crystal of
sodium thiosulfate into the solution of sodium thiosulfate. If nothing
happens after a minute, add another crystal. Put your hand around the test-tube.
When a seed crystal is added, it starts the change from supercooled liquid
to solid. As the sodium thiosulfate becomes solid, it releases heat energy.
14.2.0 Endothermic reactions
In an endothermic reaction, the energy absorbed when chemical bonds break
is greater than the energy released when chemical bonds form
C + y kJ --> D
i.e. C -->D, DH =+y kJ / mol C
14.2.1 Ammonium salts and
potassium salts with water
See 3.81: Reactions that take in heat
energy, endothermic reactions
Use test-tubes containing 10 mL of water.
Put a thermometer in each test-tube and record the initial temperature.
Put the same mass of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate,
and potassium chloride in each test-tube. Record the changes in temperature
of the solution.
14.2.2 Urea with water
Urea (carbamide, H2NCONH2) is a crystalline solid
that is very soluble in water.
Use a test-tube containing 10 mL of water. Put a thermometer in the test-tube
and record the initial temperature. Put 5 g of urea in the test-tube. Record
the changes in temperature of the solution.
14.2.3 Ammonium carbonate with ethanoic acid
Ammonium ethanoate, carbon dioxide and water form. The reaction is very
cold.
14.2.4 Ammonium nitrate cold pack
Cold packs contain chemicals that mix when the cold pack is squashed.
The cold pack has two sealed bags, one inside the other. The outer bag is
made of thick strong plastic. It contains a white powder ammonium nitrate
and a second plastic bag. The inner bag is made of a thin weak plastic and
contains water. When the cold pack is punched, the inner bag breaks. The
water mixes with the powder, dissolves it and the solution becomes very cold.
When ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, it absorbs heat, i.e. "it gets
cold". This type of cold pack is not reusable.
Investigate which of these substances would make the best cold pack:
potassium nitrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, ammonium nitrate.
14.2.5 Potassium nitrate with
water
See diagram 3.81: Potassium nitrate with water
Put 10 mL of water in a test-tube. Read the temperature of the water.
Dissolve 2 g of potassium nitrate in the water. The temperature should fall
through 90oC. This means that while dissolving, the particles
have absorbed energy. This energy has been taken from the surrounding water
in the form of heat. Repeat the experiment with potassium chloride.
14.2.6 Combustion of potassium
nitrate, fire line on paper, string fuse
Combustion of potassium nitrate, fire line on paper, string fuse
1. Draw a line on newspaper or duplicating paper or paper towel with
a glass rod or cotton bud dipped in potassium nitrate solution then leave
the paper to dry. Put the paper in a safe place on a fire-resistant surface
. Light a match, blow out the flame and touch one end of the potassium nitrate
line with the glowing end of the match. A flame races along the line as
the potassium nitrate and paper near it burns. Some people use potassium
nitrate solution to write their own name or the name of their school on
paper then see the name burst into flames.
2. Wash clean string in soapy water to dissolve away any preservative.
Rinse the string in running water then leave the wet string in a potassium
nitrate solution. The end of the dried string can be ignited to make a fuse.
14.2.7 Refrigerants
1. Sodium chloride + ice
2. Potassium nitrate + ammonium chloride + water
3. Potassium nitrate + ammonium chloride + sodium disulfate + water
4. Ammonium nitrate + water
5. Sodium sulfate + dilute hydrochloric acid
6. Sodium sulfate crystals + dilute sulfuric acid
7. Pass a current of air through methylene chloride
14.3.0 Chemiluminescence,
bioluminescence
See diagram 14.3.0: Luminol structural formula
and equations
Order online: Photo Luminescent
Paint, phosphorescence, photo-electric effect
Luminescent substances emit light not because of a rise in temperature
of the substance. Chemical reactions that produce energy not as heat but as
light are called chemiluminescent reactions Such chemical reactions in living
organisms are called bioluminescent reactions, e.g. the "cold light" from
the abdomen of the firefly, glow worms, luminescent fish). Students may have
experience of a chemiluminescence if they have seen or purchased a "light
stick", "light necklace", "light bracelet" or "glow stick" at night fairs
or for Halloween activities. The "light stick" contains dilute hydrogen peroxide
dissolved in a phthalic ester solvent and contained in a very thin glass
ampoule surrounded by a phenyl oxalate ester solution (Cyalume) and the fluorescent
dye, fluorophor, e.g. 9,10-bis (phenyl ethynyl) anthracene (BPEA). When you
break the ampoule by agitating the light stick, the hydrogen peroxide and
phenyl oxalated ester react to form phenol and peroxyacid ester. The ester
forms carbon dioxide and transfers energy to the dye molecule that produces
a green-yellow cold light as it returns to the energy ground state.
Other fluorophors include:
(1.) 1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenyl ethynyl) anthracene emits green-yellow
light in Cyalume sticks,
(2.) 2-chloro-9,10-bis(phenyl ethynyl) anthracene emits green light in
Cyalume sticks,
(3.) 1,8-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenyl ethynyl) anthracene emits yellow light
in Cyalume sticks,
(4.) 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) emits blue light,
(5.) 1-chloro-9,10-diphenyl anthracene (1-chloro(DPA)) emits blue-green
light,
(6.) 2-chloro-9,10-diphenyl anthracene (2-chloro(DPA)) emits blue-green
light,
(7.) 9,10-bis(phenyl ethynyl) anthracene (BPEA) emits green light,
(8.) 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 1,4,5,8-tetracarboxynaphthalene diamide
emits deep red light but with DPA emits white or hot-pink light.
Phosphorescence is the green glow from the slow oxidation of white phosphorus.
It is an example of chemiluminescence.
14.3.0.1 Luminol
Order online: Cool Blue Light Kit,
luminol, chemiluminescence, forensic science
Luminol is used to detect copper, iron, peroxides and cyanides. The chemical
luminol, 5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione, 3-aminophthalhydrazide,
C8H7N3O2, reacts with oxygen
to produce an intermediate molecule, metal chelate, that releases energy
as blue-green light energy. It has low solubility in water and is a yellow
grainy substance. When luminol is placed in a basic solution such as permanganate,
hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide, with a metal catalyst, e.g. cobalt,
the luminol is oxidized. The two nitrogen atoms are replaced by two oxygen
atoms and nitrogen gas is discharged, leaving the luminol in an excited
state with additional energy that is then released as light amino acids,
and serum albumin can also react with luminol to produce blue-green light,
so luminol is used in biology and biochemistry for testing and for the detection
of blood for forensic science. Blood is slightly alkaline and contains haemoglobin,
which contains iron. Luminol can detect very small amounts of blood, even
if many years old. Students may have seen a television series where detectives
use luminol to find blood stains, although the murderer tried to wipe clean
all the blood at the crime scene. In the television story, the detective
applies the luminol, turns out the lights, the glow appears and the case
is solved! However, further testing is required to decide if the reactant
is blood because luminol may glow when in contact with other substances.
Luminol destroys genetic markers in the blood so it is used as a last resort
in crime scenes. In a laboratory you can dissolve luminol in sodium hydroxide
solution then oxidize it with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite to
form the unstable disodium salt of 3-aminophthalic acid.
1. Solution A: Add 100 mL of 5% NaOCl, household
bleach to 900 mL water. Solution B: Dissolve 0.4 g luminol and 40 g sodium
hydroxide in 1 litre of water. The luminol will not dissolve completely.
Record the temperature of both solutions. Dim the lights and pour both solutions
simultaneously into a larger beaker. Note the pale glow that lasts for a
few seconds. Measure the temperature of the mixture to show that no heat
came from the reaction.
2. Solution A: Dissolve 0.1 g luminol and 5 mL 5% NaOH in 100 mL water.
Solution B: Add 10 mL 3% hydrogen peroxide + 0.25 g potassium ferricyanide,
K3[Fe(CN)6] + 1 litre water. Pour the two solutions
together into a larger beaker.
3. Oxalyl chloride mixed with hydrogen peroxide and a fluorescent dye
produces chemiluminescence. Also, phenyl oxalate ester mixed with hydrogen
peroxide and a dye, gives a brighter light but not as efficient as a firefly.
Some oxalate esters react with hydrogen peroxide with the help of a salicylates
catalyst to form a peroxyacid ester and phenol. The peroxyacid ester decomposes
to form more phenol and a high energy intermediate compound that gives
up its energy to a dye molecule which then fluoresces. Most light sticks
use the dye molecule 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene to make green,
and 9,10-diphenylanthracene to make blue.
12.8.1 Reactions of iron (II) salts and iron (III)
salts, Prussian blue
1. Add sodium hydroxide or ammonia solution, NH3 (aq) ("ammonium
hydroxide")
Iron (II) salt: Green precipitate of iron (II) hydroxide Fe(OH)2.
Iron (III) salt: Red precipitate of iron (III) hydroxide, hydroxide
Fe(OH)3.
2. Add acidified potassium permanganate.
Iron (II) salt: Permanganate manganate loses its colour. Iron (II)
salts are reducers.
Iron (III) salt: Does not reduce.
3. Add potassium ferrocyanide, K4[Fe(CN)6].
Iron (II) salt: Light blue precipitate.
Iron (III) salt: Deep blue precipitate, Prussian blue.
Prussian blue as a dye is made by adding iron (II) sulfate to potassium
ferrocyanide, with the later addition of iron (III) chloride. Prussian
blue can be distilled to yield prussic acid, hydrocyanic acid, HCN, which
is very poisonous.
4. Add potassium ferricyanide K3[FeCN)6].
Iron (II) salt: Deep blue precipitate "Turnbull's blue".
Iron (III) salt: Brown colour.
5. Add potassium or ammonium thiocyanate solution to a freshly made
iron (II) sulfate solution. Iron (II) ammonium sulfate should give a negative
result.
Iron (II) salt: No action.
Iron (III) salt: Blood red coloration of iron (III) thiocyanate Fe(CNS)3.
6. Add iron (III) ions to thiocyanate ion solutions to form bright
red complexes, e.g. (Fe(SCN)3, Fe(SCN)63-.
So a thiocyanate solution can be used as a test for iron (III) ions because
iron (II) ions do not cause a colour change.
7. Iron (II) thiocyanate oxidizes pale green Fe(SCN)2·3H2O
crystals to red iron (III) thiocyanate and so can be used as a test for
the presence of oxygen gas and peroxides.
8. Iron (II) ions and iron (III) ions react with ferrocyanide ion,
(Fe(CN)64+), and ferricyanide ion (Fe(CN)63+),
to form the coloured pigment, Prussian blue.
K4Fe(CN)6 (aq) + Fe3+ (aq) -->
KFe[Fe(CN)6] (s) + 3 K+ (aq)
9. Iron (II) react with with ferricyanide ions to form the same coloured
pigment.
K3Fe(CN)6 (aq) + Fe2+ (aq) -->
KFe[Fe(CN)6] (s) + 2 K+ (aq)
10. In blueprinting, the undeveloped paper is covered with iron (III)
ferricyanide ion, and citrate. In the light, the citrate reduces the iron
(III) to iron (II) With the addition of water the deep blue pigment forms.
12.8.2 Rusting
Rusting forms red hydrated, Fe2O3. Wrap a thermometer
bulb in wet steel wool results and note the temperature rise. Fe2O3
is a red pigment.
4Fe (s) + 3 O2 (g) --> 2 Fe2O3
(s)
12.8.3 Oxidation
of iron (II) salts
1. Use 2 cm of iron (II) sulfate solution in a test-tube. Add just
more than an equal volume of dilute sulfuric acid and three drops of concentrated
nitric acid. Heat until the solution boils. Leave to cool and add sodium
hydroxide solution until a red precipitate of iron (III) hydroxide forms.
6FeSO4 + 3H2SO4 + 2HNO3 -->
Fe2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 2NO
Iron (II) ions are oxidized to iron (III) ions by electron loss.
Fe2+ - e- --> Fe3+
2. Repeat the experiment by substituting other oxidizing materials,
e.g. chlorine, bromine, potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide, for
nitric acid in the above experiment.
12.8.4 Burn steel
wool
Wear safety glasses and safety apron. Handle steel wool with tongs.
Small pieces of steel, e.g. pins, needles, nails, will not ignite when
heated with a lighter or Bunsen burner because the surface area / volume
ratio is too small. However, a grinding wheel can be used to break steel
into tiny pieces and heat them by friction to form incandescent pieces of
iron with large surface / volume ratio, that react with oxygen in the air
to form sparks.
Pull out strands of steel wool from a steel wool pad and use them to connect
the terminals of a 6 volt battery. The strands become hot caused by the high
resistance of the iron and the surface starts to oxidize until all the strands
are converted to iron oxides. The strands burn brighter and faster if you
blow on them to increase the oxygen supply.
4Fe + 3O2 --> 2Fe2O3 + energy
Burn steel wool in air with a Bunsen burner over a heat resistant
mat to form black magnetite, FeO·Fe2O3, that is weakly
magnetic.
12.8.5 Reduction
of iron (III) salts
1. Put 2 cm of iron (III) chloride solution in a test-tube. Pass hydrogen
sulfide through the solution until there is no further precipitate of sulfur
occurs. Filter the solution and note the pale green solution. Test the filtrate
with potassium ferricyanide for proof of iron (II) salt.
2FeCl3 + H2S --> 2FeCl2 + 2HCl
+ S (s)
Iron (III) ions are reduced to iron (II) ions by electron gain.
Fe3+ + e- --> Fe2+
Sulfide ions are oxidized by electron loss.
H2S <--> 2H + + S2-
S2- - 2e- --> S
2. Add an equal volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid and pieces
of granulated zinc to 3 cm of iron (III) salt solution. Leave for half an
hour then filter. Test the filtrate with excess of sodium hydroxide solution
to show that reduction to iron (II) is complete. In the presence of acid,
zinc atoms ionize and the electrons are accepted by iron (III) ions that
are reduced to iron (II) ions.
Zn --> Zn3+ + 2e-
2Fe3+ + 2e- --> 2Fe2+
12.8.6 Heat iron
filings with powdered sulfur
Grey iron (II) sulfide forms, FeS. It is ferrimagnetic.
8Fe + S8 --> 8FeS
12.8.7 Prepare
iron (II) oxide, FeO
Close it with a plug of wool a dry test-tube containing 3 cm of iron
(II) oxalate. Heat gently then strongly to convert all the yellow oxalate
to black iron (II) oxide. Remove the plug of wool and sprinkles the iron
(II) oxide into an evaporating basin. The iron (II) oxide spontaneously
ignites as it oxidizes to red iron (III) oxide.
FeC2O4 --> FeO + CO + CO2
Dissolve the particles left in the test-tube in hydrochloric acid.
Test the solution for iron (II) ions. Iron (II) oxide is a base, but iron
(II) salts are prepared with metallic iron and acid.
12.8.8 Heat iron
(II) sulfide, FeS2 (pyrite) fool's gold
Iron (III) oxide and sulfur dioxide forms. (FeS2 is not
iron (IV) sulfide.)
4 FeS2 (s) + 11 O2 --> 2 Fe2O3
(s) + 8 SO2 (g)
12.8.9 Prepare
iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3
Add excess ammonia solution, NH3 (aq) ("ammonium hydroxide")
to an iron (III) salt and filter off the iron (III) hydroxide. Heat the
filter paper and contents in a crucible to leave red iron (III) oxide.
Boil some oxide in concentrated hydrochloric acid and show that it is a
base.
12.8.10 Show that
black iron oxide is a mixed base
Cover the bottom of a test-tube with black iron oxide and add 3 cm
of concentrated acid. Heat the solution slowly then filter it. Divide the
filtrate into two parts. Test one part for iron (III) ions. Test the other
part for iron (II) ions. Both ions are present.
Fe3O4 + 8HCl -->- 2FeCl3 + FeCl2
+ 4H2O
12.8.11 Iron displace
hydrogen from sulfuric acid to form iron (II) sulfate
Fe (s) + H2SO4 (aq) --> FeSO4 (aq)
+ H2 (g)
Evaporate the solution to form blue-green crystals of FeSO4·7H2O,
green vitriol. In the air, iron (II) salts are oxidized to iron (III) salts,
so brown iron (III) hydroxide and iron (III) sulfate may form on the blue-green
crystals.
12.8.12 Iron displaces
hydrogen from hydrochloric acid to form pale green iron (II) chloride
Fe (s) + 2 HCl (aq) --> FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Evaporate the solution to form crystals of FeCl2·4H2O.
In the air, the iron (II) is oxidized to FeCl3 and Fe2O3
12.8.13 Heat hydrated iron chlorides
1. Prepare iron (II) chloride solution by dissolving iron filings in
concentrated hydrochloric acid. Evaporate in a test-tube until crystals
appear. Heat strongly and test the vapour for hydrogen chloride with silver
nitrate solution on a glass rod. Note the residue of iron (III) oxide formed
when the iron (II) oxide is oxidized in the air.
FeCl2 + H2O --> FeO + 2HCl
2FeO + O (air) --> Fe2O3
2. Heat iron (III) chloride in a test-tube. Test the gas for hydrogen
chloride and note the residue of iron (III) oxide. Hydrolysis has occurred.
2FeCl3 + 3H2O --> Fe2O3 +
6HCl
12.8.14 Prepare
iron (II) ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4.FeSO4.6H2O
Add 4 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid to 30 mL of deionized water
in a conical flask. Slowly add 5 g of iron then heat to boiling. Add 10
g of ammonium sulfate and evaporate to two thirds of the original volume.
Add a loose stopper loosely and leave the double salt to crystallize. This
salt is not an alum.
12.8.15 Detect
iron in fruit juice using back tea
Add strong black tea to samples of fruit juice, e.g. apple, pineapple,
cranberry. Note the time for a cloudy precipitate of iron compounds to
form. The precipitate may not appear for hours or days and the time for
precipitation may depend on the temperature and concentrations of the tea
and fruit juice. Pineapple juice should give the shortest time for precipitation
. The precipitate is formed by a reaction between the ferric, Fe3+,
non-haeme iron from the fruit juice with the tannins in the black tea.
The non-haeme iron is an important component in your diet but black tea
may make this iron indigestible so that we cannot absorb it. Perhaps we
should drink black tea only between meals and not with meals. The ferrous,
Fe2+, haeme iron comes mainly from haemoglobin and myoglobin in
red meat.