The Luminol Spiral

Materials:

  • Solution A
    • 500mL flask
    • 2.0g Sodium Carbonate
    • 500mL distilled water
    • .1g luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide)
    • 12.0g Sodium Carbonate
    • .25g Ammonium Carbonate Monohydrate
    • .2g Cu(II) Sulfate Pentahydrate
  • Solution B
    • 500mL flask
    • 30mL of 30% Hydrogen Peroxide
    • 475mL distilled water
  • luminol spiral
    • Tygon tubing
    • 5-6 clamps
    • ring stand
    • 2-liter flask (or other receptical for waste)
Procedure:
To create solution A, dissolve the Sodium Carbonate in ~300ml of distilled water. Add the luminol and stir until dissolved. Add the Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Carbonate Monohydrate and Cu(II) Sulfate Pentahydrate. Stir until everything dissolves and dilute to 500mL.

To create solution B, add H2O2 to distilled water and dilute to 500mL.

Assemble the luminol spiral by supporting the Tygon tubing in a descending spiral with the clamps, placing the funnel at the top and the 2-liter flask at the lower end of the tubing.

Dim the lights and slowly pour the solutions simultaneously into the funnel. A bright "baby blue" glow will be observed.

Safety:
Collect the product solution and have it properly disposed of as this reaction produces Cu(II).