Exciting Electrons

Oxidation experiment - Ammonia

To oxidise ammonia, first we need to make a catalyst called chromium(III) oxide.

This is made by decomposing ammonium dichromate in a "volcano"

Orange ammonium dichromate (1) is squirted with alcohol, and lit (2). The residual chromium (III) oxide (3) is used to catalyse the oxidation of ammonia.

Ammonium Dichromate oxidises to give Chromium(III) Oxide and Water

Orange ammonium dichromate (1) is squirted with alcohol, and lit (2). The residual chromium (III) oxide (3) is used to catalyse the oxidation of ammonia.

Hot Chromium (III) oxide is added to concentrated ammonia solution and CATALYSES the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen, nitrous oxide and water.

Ammonia Oxidises to give a gorgeous firework effect

Ammonia reacts with oxygen to give nitrogen or dinitrogen oxide and water

Ammonia Oxidises to give a gorgeous firework effect

Previous - Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano

Back to the Topics List


What are electrons? - Where are Electrons? - Electrons in Molecules - How big are electrons? - Exciting Electrons using LIGHT - Exciting Electrons using ELECTRICITY - Exciting Electrons using CHEMICALS - Oxidation & Reduction - Oxidation Experiment - Sodium & Water - Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano - Oxidation experiment - Ammonia - What is Electricity?

Produced by Chemical Connection Webmaster
School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3JJ
Tel : +44 (0)131 651 3310 , Fax : +44 (0)131 650 6453
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all material is copyright © The University of Edinburgh

Exciting Electrons

Oxidation experiment - Ammonia

Next - What is Electricity?

Previous - Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano

Back to the Topics List