The oxygen can be produced by carefully heating a small amount of potassium manganate (VII) in a boiling tube. A small piece of ceramic wool is pushed into the end of the tube to make sure no small particles of potassium manganate (VII) are ejected from the tube during heating. When the tube has been heated for a few moments, light a splint and blow it out ensuring it is still glowing slightly. Hold this glowing end near the open end of the tube and continue heating the tube. The splint should relight in the presence of oxygen.
Equipment required (per set):
- Boiling tube
- Boiling tube holder
- Ceramic wool
- Spatula
- Bunsen burner
- Heat proof matr
- Potassium manganate (VII) (KMnO4)
The ?relighting splint? is the classic test for the presence of oxygen and is used in many chemistry lessons.
