Black Volcano

Purpose:

In this dangerous demonstration you will cause sugar to expand into a black charred mass that rises up out of its' container and gives off noxious fumes similar to a real volcano. This should be done by an adult wearing goggles, chemical resistant apron and rubber gloves in a well ventilated area.

Materials:

• 250 ml beaker

  sugar

  water

  concentrated sulfuric acid (battery acid)

  absorbent materials, etc. to clean up an acid spill

Procedure:

1. Put about 100 ml of sugar into the beaker.

2. Make the sugar damp (not wet) with some water.

3. Add 40 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid.

4. Wait for the reaction to take place. If this is done at room temperature then it will take a minute before the sugar begins to turn brown. A short time later the black column will rise giving off fumes. Don't breathe the fumes.

Discussion:

This is a dehydration reaction with the formation of water, sulfur oxides, and black carbon.

Back to top