Catalytic copper

By Declan Fleming2012-09-01T00:00:00

Source: © Declan Fleming

Demonstrations designed to capture the student's imagination

Curricula for 14-16 and post-16 students usually involve some reference to heterogeneous catalysis in the gas phase. The 'go-to' demonstration for this is the oxidation of ammonia.¹ Ammonia is presumably chosen for the curriculum connection to the Haber process. However, the demonstration requires the use of platinum wire, which many schools have only in very small quantities due to its cost.

The oxidation of acetone (propanone) is a similar demonstration, which requires no additional oxygen supply. It involves readily available copper that can be used in larger quantities to dramatic effect.

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