Ethanol Cannon

Purpose:

To demonstrate a combustion reaction ignited by a spark.

Materials:

• 2 steel nails
• Clamp
• Cork/rubber stopper
• Ring stand
• Tesla coil
• Heavy 2L plastic bottle

Reagents:

• Ethanol (EtOH)

Hazards and PPE:

• Ethanol is flammable and should be handled with care. Be sure to move the ethanol bottle and any excess ethanol a safe distance away from the bottle when lighting it.
• Wear approved safety goggles and gloves.

Protocol:

Preparation

1. Insert two large nails into the sides of the bottle. The points of the nails should be separated by about 1/4” sized gap.
2. Add ~1mL MeOH to the bottle.
3. Shake bottle to vaporize and distribute the MeOH.
4. Place a tight fitting cork into the mouth of the bottle.
5. Fasten bottle to a ring stand using a clamp on the neck of the bottle.
6. Assembly should appear as shown:
   1. 

Demonstration

1. Direct the cork up and away from the audience.
2. Turn on Tesla coil and apply a spark from the coil to the head of one of the nails or attach ignitor wires to the nails and spark them.
3. A loud explosion will result and the cork will be propelled across the room.

Additional Notes:

• It may be tempting to increase the amount of ethanol used. Do not do so- this can result in a dangerously large explosion.

Disposal:

• The bottle can be reused for future demonstrations.

Reactions:

• CH₃OH_(g) + O_2(g) + ΔE → 2H₂O_(g) + CO_2(g)

Citations:

1. Summerlin, L. & Ealy, J., Chemical Demonstrations, A Sourcebook for Teachers, 1985.