Catalytic oxidation of methanol by platinum

balanced equation

2CH3 + O2 → 2HCHO (methanal) + 2H2O

observations

1. platinum glows red hot

2. mild pops

3. this cycle is repeated

4. methanal smell

5. flame in flask

chimney purpose

gases swept away and more air flow into flask

why is aluminum on T piece

prevent cardboard burning

red glow due to being an

exothermic reaction

glowing ceases for a while, why?

CO produced from incomplete combustion of methanol, poisons catalyst

flame inside, why?

methanol ignited by hot wire

pop sounds?

hydrogen gas igniting