C2.1.2.1 Thermal Analysis of Hydrocarbons

In order to determine the number of hydrogen atoms as compared with the number of carbon atoms, hydrocarbons can be separated into their elements by thermal decomposition. With gaseous hydrocarbons, this can be done with a filament in a combustion chamber. There the gas is split into hydrogen and carbon black (soot). The ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the compound can be derived directly from the increase in gas volume. In experiment C2.1.2.1, the gases methane and ethane are studied in this way.

 

Components:

1	666 428	Panel frame C100, two-level, for CPS
1	666 460	Combustion chamber with filament, CPS
2	666 4660	Adhesive magnetic board, 300 mm
4	666 4664	Holder, magnetic, size 4, 27...29 mm
2	665 914	Gas syringe, 100 ml with 3-way stopcock
1	666 468	Blank panel, 300 mm, CPS
1	666 467	Blank panel, 200 mm, CPS
1	726 21	Equipment platform, 350 mm
1	501 45	Connecting lead, 19 A, 50 cm, red/blue, pair
1	521 55	High current power supply
1	660 987	Minican pressurised gas canister, methane
1	660 988	Minican pressurised gas canister, ethane
1	660 980	Fine regulating valve for minican gas canisters
1	667 194	Silicone tubing, 7 mm diam., 1 m
1	604 510	Tubing connector, 4...15 mm
1	667 197	Silicone tubing, 4 mm diam., 1 m
1	664 042	Test tubes, Fiolax, 16 x 160 mm, set of 100
1	667 052	Test tube rack, for 12 tubes, 18 mm diam., 6 drying pegs
1	656 016	Bunsen burner, universal
1	666 729	Safety gas hose, 1 m
1	667 605	Safety screen