======Chemical Reactions in Red, White and Blue======


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**Alternative titles:** Patriotic Chemical Reactions
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place three 100 ml beakers in a row.  
  - Add 15 drops of lead nitrate solution to the first beaker.  
  - Add 20 drops of phenolphthalein solution to the second beaker.  
  - Add 15 drops of cupric nitrate solution to the third beaker.  
  - In a separate beaker, measure about 140 ml of ammonium hydroxide solution.  
  - When ready, pour approximately equal amounts of ammonium hydroxide into each of the three beakers.  
  - Observe the reactions: one produces a white precipitate, one turns red, and one produces a deep blue complex.

Note that other reactions can be used to produce the colors, see the links below.




====Links==== 
Red, White, and Blue Chemical Reactions - Michael Farabaugh: 
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📄 Chemical Reactions in Red, White and Blue! - Jen Klipfel and Nabila Jachan: [[https://www.csun.edu/scied/2-chem/old_glory/index.htm]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use different metal nitrate solutions (such as nickel or cobalt) to produce other vivid colors.  
  * Swap phenolphthalein with a different pH indicator to create alternative color changes.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ammonium hydroxide is highly irritating to eyes and lungs; use in a fume hood.  
  * Lead nitrate is toxic and a strong oxidant; handle with care and dispose of properly.  
  * Cupric nitrate is toxic; avoid ingestion and skin contact.  
  * Phenolphthalein is flammable; keep away from flames and sparks.  
  * Wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat at all times.  
  * Ensure an eyewash station is available nearby.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What are the reactants and products in each reaction? (Lead nitrate + ammonium hydroxide → lead hydroxide (white precipitate); cupric nitrate + ammonium hydroxide → tetraamminecopper (II) complex (blue); phenolphthalein in base → red color.)  
  * Why does phenolphthalein turn red in the presence of ammonium hydroxide? (Because phenolphthalein is colorless in acidic solution but becomes pink to red in basic conditions.)  
  * Why is the lead nitrate reaction especially hazardous? (Lead compounds are toxic and must be handled and disposed of carefully.)  
  * How can we balance the chemical equations for these reactions?  
  * Could other chemicals be used to achieve the red, white, and blue effect? (Yes, see the provided links for alternative methods.)