Sodium Acetate Demo--"Hot Ice"

Mr. Keller, Chemistry Teacher, demonstrates the rapid crystallization of sodium acetate. This chemical, a common vinegary-smelling ingredient in salt & vinegar chips, has a fascinating ability to form a super-saturated solution. In a super-saturated solution the amount of solute dissolved exceeds the amount normally soluble at a given temperature. When such a solution meets a seed crystal or a rough surface it crystallizes almost instantly. This is very cool to watch. It also releases enough heat for this chemical to be used in instant heat packs. Sometimes it is called hot ice.

For the chemists out there: sodium acetate is the sodium salt of acetic acid. Acetic acid, as you may well know, is also known as ordinary vinegar. Neutralize acetic acid to a phenolphthalein endpoint with sodium hydroxide and voila! sodium acetate.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• sodium acetate
• super-saturated
• super-saturation
• crystallization
• chemistry
• physical chemistry
• solution
• dissolve
• crystallize
• solvent
• water
• hot ice
• educational
• health

[myfuckingvido]

Nice work can you update a new video

[aaronakeller]

@myfuckingvido I posted a new video not very long ago and I don't have plans for more...what exactly do you mean?

[zekleinhammer]

Pillar of Salt

[aaronakeller]

@5t6gm Oh, you're talking about making sodium acetate using sodium hydroxide and vinegar! The sodium acetate would remain dissolved in water as it has a fairly high solubility. To get it in crystal form you would have to boil away the water or set it in a pan to evaporate.

[aaronakeller]

@5t6gm Water remains part of the crystal matrix when you perform the demonstration shown in this video. To regenerate it for reuse you simply collect it and heat it until it becomes a clear liquid. Sometimes adding water can help. If water is added then you need to know the boiling point for the supersaturated solution (which I can't recall at the moment, maybe 127C) and heat it until this is its boiling temperature.

[TeTRoSeX]

Very interesting, I've subcribed a while ago and wondered when he'll update a new video

[Uzumakifan99]

nice,it actually looks like wax,from like one of those tall candles that are melting