A simple experiment - Blue flame

Good day, inquisitive chemists! Today we will conduct a simple but spectacular experiment.
Blue flame

Its essence is that the hydrogen released during the reaction burns with a blue flame.

Reagents


So, we will need:
  • Hydrochloric acid concentration 15%;
  • Copper sulfate;
  • Aluminium foil.

Blue flame

Blue flame

We will conduct the experiment in a glass jar.
Blue flame

You can use a Petri dish or a beaker as a vessel. I do not recommend using a flask, since the flow of oxygen inside will be difficult due to the narrow neck of the flask.

Experiment


Before conducting this experiment, I strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with safety precautions when working with acids.
Pour a teaspoon of vitriol into a jar and add 40 ml of acid. The solution turns green due to the formation of complex copper ion tetrachlorocuprate [CuCl4]2-.
Simple experiment Blue flame

Now all that's left is to add the aluminum foil. It is covered with an oxide film, but the resulting complex quickly destroys it. Then some of the aluminum reacts with the acid, the equation for this reaction is:
Simple experiment Blue flame

As can be seen from the reaction, hydrogen is released.
The rest of the aluminum interacts with the complex, displacing copper from it:
Simple experiment Blue flame

Reactions occur quickly, releasing large amounts of heat.
The hydrogen released burns well in air, let's set it on fire.
Simple experiment Blue flame

The narrow flame flow is associated with the characteristics of the neck of the jar, and the rich blue color is given to it by copper ions that are present in the solution.
Let's do the same experiment, but in a different container:
Blue flame

Simple experiment Blue flame

When all the aluminum has reacted, the solution turns gray with spots of reduced copper on the surface. It should be diluted with plenty of water and poured down the drain.
There is sediment left at the bottom:
Blue flame

You should also get rid of it, since after trying to filter, a light brown precipitate remained on the filter, and it cannot be called copper.
Blue flame

Conclusion


And this concludes this article. This experience can be demonstrated in chemistry lessons at school. Good luck with your repetition everyone!
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Comments (2)
  1. ali.bar60.
    #1 ali.bar60. Guests 2 January 2019 16:20
    0
    ...interesting for beginner explosives/pyrotechnicians.?! I doubt it will work on a collective farm..!!!
    Happy Grandfather Vasily..2019...January 2..AD..
  2. Timofey
    #2 Timofey Guests March 8, 2021 12:22
    0
    I liked it 😄