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Citation: Lai Wei, Mei Ni, Yancen Liu. Bright Nebula: Flame and Color Change of Ethanol Gels[J]. University Chemistry, ;2023, 38(7): 289-296. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202209083 shu

Bright Nebula: Flame and Color Change of Ethanol Gels

Department of Basic Courses, China Fire and Rescue Institute, Beijing 102202, China

Corresponding author: Yancen Liu, liuyc_cfri@163.com
Received Date: 29 September 2022

The experiment is a comprehensive popular science experiment designed on the basis of supramolecular gels preparation, combining the two common principles of flame test and color change of indicator. In the preparation of gel, calcium acetate solution and ethanol were mixed first, metal salt (or boric acid) and acid-base indicator were added. When the gel was ignited, the gel showed colored flame because of the metal salt (or boric acid). The heat leads to hydrolytic equilibrium shift of acetate in the gel, leading to the color change of acid-base indicator in the gel. The exhibition effect of experiment is gorgeous and colorful, just like the bright nebula shining in the universe. The experiment is safe and easy to operate, involving rich knowledge, possessing obvious phenomenon, and showing adequately the beauty of chemistry, which can well meet the learning needs of different groups of people.
- Supramolecular gel,
- Flame test,
- Acid-base indicator,
- Science popularization of chemistry
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