The ammonia fountain

The ammonia fountain is a classic experiment used to demonstrate the solubility of ammonia in cold water and the alkaline nature of the ammonia solution formed. The following method is a variation of the norm in which I initiate the reaction using body heat instead of water.

Kit

• 1000 ml volumetric flask with bung
• 500 ml conical flask with bung
• glass trough; glass tubing
• phenolphthalein solution
• 1 M sulfuric acid
• concentrated ammonia solution - 35 per cent ('880')
• retort stand and clamp
• Bunsen burner, heat-resistant mat, tripod and gauze