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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > October  >
In the Classroom
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Incomplete Combustion of Hydrogen: Trapping a Reaction Intermediate
Bruce Mattson and Trisha Hoette
Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

checked by Michelle S. Applebee
Department of Chemistry, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Cover
October 2007
Vol. 84 No. 10
p. 1668

Abstract
The combustion of hydrogen in air is quite complex with at least 28 mechanistic steps and twelve reaction species. Most of the species involved are radicals (having unpaired electrons) in nature. Among the various species generated, a few are stable, including hydrogen peroxide. In a normal hydrogen flame, the hydrogen peroxide goes on to further oxidation resulting in water. In this classroom demonstration, a hydrogen flame is played across the face of an ice cube and the combustion is quenched in an incomplete state. The solution that results contains aqueous hydrogen peroxide that can be tested with two simple chemical tests.
Supplement
A QuickTime movie of this demonstration is available..
More Information
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Citation
Mattson, Bruce; Hoette, Trisha. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1668.
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Keywords
Demonstrations; Descriptive Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Free Radicals; Gases; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Hydrogen; Inorganic Chemistry; Molecular Properties / Structure; Reactive Intermediates; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
8/20/2007
9/7/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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