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(4:51) Hot Ice: Discovery Channel

C₂H₃NaO₂ + 3H₂O →

The solutions are hot enough to cause burns. If the crystallized sodium acetate touches the skin, wash with water.

The materials can be recycled. When disposal is warranted, the solid should be flushed down the drain with water.

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Gather materials:

• Gather 2L beaker
• Gather 500 mL Erlenmeyr flask(s)
• Gather 250 mL basker(s)
• Gather 100 mL beaker(s)
• Hot plate
• Scoopula
• Scale
• Low-nitrogen weighing paper
• 175 g sodium acetate trihydrate (NaC₂H₃O_{2 *}3H₂O)
• 50 mL distilled water

Prepare liquid solution

• Confirm the flask fits easily into the large beaker.
• Use laboratory balance or scale.
• Use low nitrogen weighing paper (if available).
• Scoop 175 grams of chemical with a scoopula onto paper.
• Boil 1.5 L (ca) water in the 2L beaker (the “calcium” water is just sink water).
• Pour 50 mL of distilled water into the flask.
• Slowly add 175 grams of sodium acetate trihydrate to water in the flask.
• Swirl the flask to dissolve most of the material.
• Place the flask into the beaker’s “bath” water.
• Swirl the flask until a clear, homogeneous solution is obtained.
• Remove the flask from the beaker and place it in a secure location.
• Cover the flask with an inverted small beaker to cool (approximately 1-3 hours).

Presentation:

To demonstrate crystallization, place a few crystals of sodium acetate trihydrate into a 250 mL beaker and pour the solution onto the crystals. Do not do this too slowly, since solid may start to form at the neck of the flask, eventually clogging it. Crystallization begins immediately forming a mound of white solid sodium acetate – the beaker is used to prevent the solid from spreading too far. All the water is trapped within the solid, leaving no visible trace of liquid. The solid feels warm to the touch. The shape of the mound will depend on the manner in which the solution is poured – pillars of different shapes and sizes can be produced.

Disposal:

The materials can be recycled. When disposal is warranted, the solid should be flushed down the drain with water.