Chemiluminescence (Luminol)

MATERIALS

-          Solution 1(in a 1L vol. flask):

•  Dissolve 4.0g sodium carbonate
•  Dissolve 0.2g of luminol
•  Dissolve 24.0g sodium bicarbonate
•  Dissolve 0.4g copper II sulfate pentahydrate
•  Dissolve 0.5g ammonium carbonate monohydrate

-          Solution 2:  1L 3% (V/V) hydrogen peroxide

• Funnel with spiral column attached (one glass piece or funnel with Tygon tubing attached)
• 3L or 4L beaker to collect waste
• Ring stand
• Sufficient clams to support the funnel and column
• Goggles
• Gloves

PRESENTATION

1. -          Clamp the funnel and column to the ring stand so that the end of the column can feed into the 4L beaker
2. -          Dim or turn off the lights in the room
3. -          Pour solution 1 and 2 simultaneously into the funnel (you may need a step stool)
4. -          Once the solutions begin to mix as they travel down the column, they will glow a bright blue
5. -          Depending on the temperature of the solutions, the glow will last up to a couple of minutes

DISCUSSION

-          Please inquire about the many different mechanisms

HAZARDS (MSDS Links)

Luminol:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927563

Sodium Carbonate:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927263

Sodium Bicarbonate:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927258

Ammonium Carbonate:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927072

Copper II Sulfate:  https://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923597

3% hydrogen peroxide:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924298

REFERENCES

Shakhashiri, B. Z., et al. (1983). Oxidations of Luminol. Chemical Demonstrations Volume 1. (pp. 156-67). Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press.