14.5.5 CIA Demonstration: The Copper-Catalyzed Decomposition of Acetone

Question 1

CIA Demonstration: The Copper-Catalyzed Decomposition of Acetone

Answer 1

• A glowing-hot penny catalyzes the exothermic decomposition of acetone into ketene; the heat liberated in this reaction continues to heat the penny.

Question 2

note

Answer 2

• A pure copper penny is heated in the flame of a Bunsen burner. The penny is then suspended (using copper wire) above a small amount of acetone in a beaker.
• The copper acts as a catalyst for the decomposition of acetone (CH 3 CH 3 CO) into ketene (CH 2 CO) and methane (CH 4 ). The heat from the glowing hot penny provides the initial activation energy for the reaction.
• This reaction is exothermic. The heat liberated by the reaction heats the penny, which then continues to provide the activation energy for the reaction.