How To: Make thunder in a test tube with ethanol & acetone

C For Chemistry delves into the chemistry of science experiments. This chemist knows what he's talking about. These chemistry experiments are not only fun, but very educational for all of those interested in scientific chemical reactions and properties.

This video tutorial will show you how to make thunder in a test tube with ethanol and acetone.

HOW TO:
1. Add concentrated sulfuric acid to a test tube.
2. Add acetone or ethanol on top of sulfuric acid and prevent them from mixing.
3. Add a small amount of potassium permanganate and switch off the light.
4. Wait and see the result!

CHEMISTRY OF IT:
This reaction is called "Thunder in a Test Tube", sometimes "Test Tube Thunderstorm", simply because internal combustions of ethanol, acetone (or other similar flammable organic liquid), producing sound, light similar to that of lightning, and the unexpected result of it.

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Music: Thinking Out Loud by Kevin MacLeod @ Incompetech
Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0"