A Convenient Luminol Demonstration The oxidation of luminol is a popular demonstration of chemiluminescence ( I ) . I t requires easily obtained chemicals and is enthusiastically received by students of all ages. Traditional devices for demonstrating the oxidation often include iron ring stands, glass tubing, metal clamps, and large flasks. These devices are bulky and hard to transport. This note describes a law cost and lightweight apparatus for the luminol demonstration. The label is removed from a clear l-L plastic water bottle, and 90 cm of Tygon tubing (9mm i.d., 15 mm a d . ) is coiled into the bottle. A long narrow dowel may be used tc direct the tubing. The protruding end of the tubing is fitted with a large clear plastic funnel. During the demonstration, one student holds the funnel upright while another student pours the two liquid components simultaneously into the funnel. The glowing solution flows through the coil and collects in the bottle. This device is economical (-$2.00) and unbreakable. I t can he easily transported for off-site demonstrations.
Literature Cited 1. Shakhashiri. 6.Z. ChemicalDemonstaCions:The Univenily of Wisconsin Press: Madison. 1983: Vol. 1, pp 1 5 6 167.
Linda Schechinger and Amy Sue Waldman University of California, lrvine Irvine, CA 92717-2025
Volume 72 Number 3 March 1995
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