In the Classroom

edited by
Tested Demonstrations Ed Vitz
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA 19530
A Dramatic Flame Test Demonstration
submitted by: Kristin A. Johnson and Rodney Schreiner*
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706;
*schreiner@chem.wisc.edu

checked by: Jon Loring

Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

Flame tests are impressive demonstrations that are often the colored fireball lasts only Table 1. Flame Colors of
used in lectures during the discussion of atomic structure. about a second, repeated spraying Representative
Over the years, a large number of variations on the classic of the methanol/salt mixture into Salt/Methanol Solutions
flame test technique have been described in this Journal (1– the flame can easily regenerate it. Compound Flame Color
11). Dalby and Mosher (3) describe a procedure in which A list of the representative colors NaCl Yellow
aqueous solutions of salts are sprayed into the air intake of a when various salts are ignited is SrCl Red-orange
2
burner. Here, we describe a variation on that procedure, using shown in Table 1.
LiCl Red
spray bottles filled with methanol and a variety of salts to The spray bottles containing
produce a brilliantly colored flame. When the methanol/salt the salt/methanol solutions are K C l Violet
solution is sprayed into the flame of a Meker burner, a spec- simply stored on a shelf between CuCl2 Green
tacular ball of colored fire forms that is easily visible in even uses. Occasionally, the nozzle of CaCl2 Red-orange
very large lecture halls. Although the fireball has a short the spray bottle will become H BO Green
3 3
duration compared to flame tests obtained by other methods plugged with salt after the metha-
(1–3), it can easily be recreated by repeated spraying of the nol has evaporated. The salt can be removed by flushing the
salt/methanol solution into the burner. In addition, the spray nozzle and sprayer with water.
bottles used in this demonstration are easy to prepare and
store. Hazards

Materials This demonstration should be performed only in a well-

ventilated room or in a fume hood. The small amount of
1400 mL methanol salt in the spray forms smoke that should not be inhaled.
7 spray bottles, 8 oz. (purchased from Fisher Scientific Not all the methanol that is sprayed into the burner flame
Education, Burr Ridge, IL) ignites, resulting in a film of flammable methanol forming
near the burner. Do not have any flammable materials within
5 g each of NaCl, SrCl2, LiCl, KCl, CuCl 2⭈2H 2O,
half a meter of the burner. Additionally, never aim the spray
CaCl2⭈2H2O, and H3BO3
directly towards the audience. The audience should be kept
Meker burner at least 2 meters from the flame.
flame-proof bench top or 1 × 0.5-m fireproof board
Literature Cited
Preparation
1. Dragojlovic, V. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 929.
Add 5 g of each salt to a spray bottle and fill the bottle 2. McKelvy, G. M. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 55.
with methanol. If the bottom of the intake tube on the spray
bottle rests on the bottom of the bottle, it can become clogged
with undissolved salt. This is especially the true for the NaCl
and KCl bottles, since these salts are sparingly soluble in
methanol. Trim the intake tube so that the end of the tube is
approximately 1 cm above the bottom of the spray bottle.
Adjust the nozzle of each spray bottle to create the finest mist
possible.

Procedure
Perform this demonstration only in a well-ventilated
room or in a fume hood. Light a Meker burner and place it
on a flame-proof bench top or board. Dim the room lights
and spray the solution into the burner flame. The mist will Figure 1. Fireball created when a solution of methanol and potas-
ignite to form a large ball of colored fire (Fig. 1). Although sium chloride is sprayed into a lit Meker burner.

640 Journal of Chemical Education • Vol. 78 No. 5 May 2001 • JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu

 In the Classroom

3. Dalby, D. K. J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73, 80. 8. Barnes, Z. K. J. Chem. Educ. 1991, 68, 246.
4. Smith, E. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 828. 9. Mattson, B. M.; Snipp, R. L.; Michels, G. D. J. Chem. Educ.
5. McRae, R. A.; Jones, R. F. J. Chem. Educ. 1994, 71, 68. 1990, 67, 791.
6. Thomas, N. C.; Brown, R. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 326. 10. Gouge, E. M. A. J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, 544.
7. Ragsdale, R. O.; Driscoll, J. A. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 11. Ager, D. J.; East, M. B.; Miller, R. A. J. Chem. Educ. 1988,
828. 65, 545.

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