Why are the following procedures invalid? (a) A boiling chip is ...

[tnt_battle]

Why are the following procedures invalid?
  (a) A boiling chip is not added to a reaction mixture that is to be boiled (but not stirred).
  (b) Boiling chips are saved for use in a future experiment.
  (c) After use, boiling chips are washed down the drain

Question 2

List three ways of preventing a runaway reaction.

[mcomstock09]

Answer to Question 1

(a) A boiling chip must be used to prevent bumping of the solution. Product can be lost if the
solution bumps and splashes out of the flask.
(b) Boiling chips cannot be re-used because the pores fill with iwuid and lose their ability to
release bubbles.
(c) Used boiling chips are contaminated with chemicals and thus must be disposed of accord
ing to safe environmental practices. Also, the chips can clog the drains.

Answer to Question 2

Three ways to prevent a runaway reaction are: (1) cool the reaciton vessel; (2) add the reactants
slowly, and (3) stir the reaction mixture so that the heat is dissipated more efficiently. Using a
larger than normal reaciton vessel also helps. The large vessel can contain more of a vigorously
boiling solution.

[tnt_battle]

Thank you!

[mcomstock09]

Always glad to help...