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Combustion of white phosphorus

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Richard L. Keiter and Chaminda P. Gamage

Department of Chemistry, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920-3099

Paul E. Smith

Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1393

J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (7), p 908

DOI: 10.1021/ed078p908

Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2001

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The reaction of white phosphorus with pure oxygen is conveniently and safely demonstrated by carrying out the reaction in a retort that has its open end submerged in water. After filling the retort with oxygen gas, a small amount of white phosphorus is introduced and heated with a hot-plate until it ignites. The spectacular reaction leads to consumption and expulsion of oxygen gas, creation of a partial vacuum in the retort, and back suction of water that extinguishes the combustion.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Descriptive Chemistry

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Phosphorus Flamethrower: A Demonstration Using Red and White Allotropes of Phosphorus
Melissa L. Golden, Eric C. Person, Miriam Bejar, Donnie R. Golden, and Jonathan M. Powell
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (11), 1154-1158
- Phosphorus Flamethrower: A Demonstration Using Red and White Allotropes of Phosphorus
  Melissa L. Golden, Eric C. Person, Miriam Bejar, Donnie R. Golden, and Jonathan M. Powell
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (11), 1154-1158
  A demonstration was created to display the unique behavior of a familiar element, phosphorus, and to make chemistry more accessible to the introductory student. The common allotropes of phosphorus and their reactivity are discussed. In this demonstration, ...
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