Solid/Solid Reaction

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 131426

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Required Training	Required PPE
UC Lab Safety Fundamentals	Lab coat, safety glasses/goggles, nitrile gloves

Equipment	Chemicals
Mortar and pestle	0.1 g Sulfur powder
Scoopula	0.1 g Potassium chlorate (KClO₃)

Procedure:

Dessicate reagents.
Put the potassium chlorate (limiting reagent) into the mortar and cap the bottle.
Add the sulfur and rock the mortar so the two form a pile.
Hold the pestle pointed firmly against the palm and, with a twist, push to grind the chemicals.
This should make a loud pop.
5-6 more pops can be produced from the amount above.

Discussion:

The grinding of a 1:1 ratio of sulfur and potassium chlorate will result in a crackling sound and a sulfurous smell (SO₂) as the two react.

Hazards:

NEVER REPLACE CHLORATE FOR PERCHLORATE. Use all required PPE including gloves and goggles. Chlorate is an oxidizer and is harmful to blood, kidney, and liver. The sulfur dioxide gas released is extremely damaging to mucous membranes and can be fatal if inhaled. Consult MSDS for full safety information.

SOP:

Strong Oxidizer – Potassium Chlorate

Disposal (by Storeroom)

Pour the left over reactants into a large beaker and fill it half way with water. Stir to dissolve any lumps. Add 95% ethyl alcohol and stir to promote dissolution. Dispose of down the drain. Do not let chlorate react with any organics directly or pour it down the drain. Chlorate will react with rubber gaskets.