Description of experiment
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Needed compounds:
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sodium hydroxide : NaOH
nitromethane : CH3NO2
Class:
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elem=C,N
redox
Summary:
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Nitromethane gives a dark red/brown liquid in combination with aqueous sodium
hydroxide. This most likely is a polymeric species.
Description:
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Sequence 1:
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Dissolve some nitromethane in water, such that a clear and colorless liquid is
obtained. Add a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide: At first, the liquid
remains colorless, but after some longer time, the liquid becomes yellow/brown.
Sequence 2:
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Dissolve some nitromethane in water and add a concentrated solution of NaOH,
but assure that an excess amount of nitromethane remains: The liquid quickly
turns dark red/brown and is somewhat syruppy, it remains clear however.
Let the liquid evaporate over many days: A dark brown crust remains, which on
addition of water redissolves again.