Discussion

A long glass tube is stoppered, and filled with NO gas, a colorless, odorless toxic gas, via water displacement to preclude the introduction of oxygen. To the stoppered tube is added 2.5 mL of CS₂, a clear, colorless, odorous, toxic liquid with a high vapor pressure. The two reactants are mixed by inverting the tube several times. Then the tube is placed in its holder, the up stopper is removed, and the gas mixture is lit via a match. The ensuing reaction is highly exothermic, resulting in heat, bright blue light, and a loud harmonic sound as the gas ignites and escapes.

This reaction releases large quantities of energy and is considered one of the most reactive combustion reactions of any type.

The equation for this reaction is:
2NO (g) + CS₂(l) -- > CO₂ (g) + N₂ (g) + S(s)

The sulfur is easily recognized as a product, due to its characteristic color. It is released as a gas during the reaction.