Chemical Concept Demonstrated
Demonstration
| Solution A - Dissolve Na2CO3 in distilled water
- Add luminol, NaHCO3, (NH4)2CO3, and CuSO4 * 5H20
- Dilute with water
| Solution B - Dilute 3%H2O2 with distilled water
|
Pour solutions A and B simultaneously into the funnel. 
Observations
The entire spiral gives off a singular glow.
Explanation
Luminol is converted to a dianion in basic solution. This dianion is then oxidized with H2O2/Cu2+ to form N2 and an aminophthalate ion in an electronically excited state. In order to achieve an electronically unexcited state, the ion emits a photon of wavelength 424 nm.
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