Canned Heat
Liquid ethanol is poured into a saturated calcium acetate solution and a solid gel is formed. The gel burns like canned heat (SternoTM).
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Keywords
applications - practical/real-life, colloids, combustion reaction, enthalpy/heat, exothermic process, organic - alcohols, solutions/solubility, thermochemistry/thermodynamics
Multimedia
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(QuickTime 3.0 Sorenson, duration 40 seconds, size 2.7 MB)
Ethanol is poured into a saturated calcium acetate solution. A precipitate rapidly forms as the solubility of the calcium acetate is reduced. Liquid is trapped in the network of solid calcium acetate, forming a gel. When ignited, the alcohol in the gel burns. Similar gels are used as a source of fuel in portable cooking stoves.
 Ethanol is poured into a saturated calcium acetate solution. |
 A precipitate rapidly forms. |
 The alcohol trapped in the network of solid calcium acetate burns. |
Additional still images for this movie
Discussion
This demonstration shows how a solid (or semisolid) fuel can be made that is easier to handle and safer than the original liquid ethanol fuel. Practical application in portable stoves is mentioned.
Demonstration Notes, Warnings, Safety Information, etc.
Exam and Quiz Questions
Why is the solid fuel shown here safer than the liquid ethanol fuel from which it is made?