Fun chemical reaction experiment (Briggs-Rauscher Reaction)

Here’s an known as the Briggs-Rauscher Reaction, which looks really cool. Basically, when several clear liquids are combined, the mixture quickly changes colors — back and forth — over and over again. The experiment was perfected by high school science teachers in 1973.

What’s happening?

Several reactions take place at once. One of them produces iodine, which gives the amber color. Hydrogen peroxide reduces other chemicals into iodide ions. Along with normal iodine, the charged particles interact with starch to create it a blue-black color. The speeds of those transformations are constantly changing. As one overtakes the other, the color suddenly changes.

Here are directions on how to perform the experiment.

What You’ll Need

• Three 2 liter beakers
• Gloves
• Hydrogen peroxide – MSDS warning
• Potassium iodate – MSDS warning
• Sulfuruc acid (H₂SO_{4) – MSDS warning}
  
• _{Distilled water}
• _{Malonic acid – MSDS warning}
  
• manganese sulphate (hydrate) – MSDS warnings
• soluble starch (cornstarch)
• A magnetic stirrer. These can get pricey, so look around. I did find an air operated turbine magnetic stirrer, which looks like it can be operated with a normal aquarium air pump, and eliminates and danger of sparking.

Be aware that some of the chemicals involved are dangerous, as specified in the above linked MSDS’s. Use caution and protection such as goggles and gloves. Also note that I am merely bringing this experiment to your attention and am no science expert of any kind. Try this only if you know what you are doing.

via BoingBoing via The Wired Science blog

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