“Piranha” mixture vs. bamboo stick
How to dissolve wood
We’d like to show you one of the most dangerous mixtures in the world – the “piranha mixture”! It eats through almost all organic matter in its path. This predator really means business!
Reagents and equipment:
- concentrated sulfuric acid;
- concentrated hydrogen peroxide;
- wooden stick;
- beaker.
Step-by-step instructions
Pour hydrogen peroxide into the beaker, and then carefully add concentrated sulfuric acid. The “piranha mixture” is ready. Now put a wooden stick into the mixture. The stick starts to carbonize and dissolve in the mixture. After a few seconds, not a trace is left of it!
Processes description
The mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide is called the “piranha”. It’s one of the strongest oxidizing mixtures in the world. It eats through almost all organic matter. Sulfuric acid carbonizes organic compounds, turning them into carbon, while hydrogen peroxide oxidizes carbon to carbon dioxide.
Safety precautions
When working with concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, wear protective gloves and glasses, and a lab coat. The mixture is very dangerous, and can leave burns on the skin and clothes.
Warning! Don’t try to repeat this experiment without a professional supervision!
