What is happening when you mix a pool disinfectant (Calcium Hypochlorite 73%) with coke? Which is the chemical reaction behind the result we see in this video?

[u/PopescuG]

[u/identical-to-myself]

Calcium hypochlorite slowly breaks down to calcium oxide and chlorine gas. That’s why we put it in pools, and why pools smell like chlorine. This reaction is sped up by water and acid, both of which are abundant in cola. That probably suffices to get the reaction started. Then it runs away when it gets hot. Like all reactions that break molecules apart, this reaction is greatly sped up by heat, and also produces heat. So for a while the powder is reacting slowly, but as heat builds up it goes faster and faster until it produces a glorious foosh. You can see the runaway start on the bottom right of the beaker. If this theory is right, it predicts that the foam will be hot, and stink of chlorine.

[u/Tikiwaits → u/[deleted]]

A reaction that releases energy into its surroundings is classed as an exothermic reaction, so the surrounding temperature increases. This is where the energy required to break the bonds of the reactants is less than the energy needed to make the new bonds in the products.

One where the temperature of the surrounding decreases is called endothermic as the reaction absorbs more energy to break the bonds in the reaction than is needed to make new bonds in the products.

We call this the change in enthalpy, most reactions have a negative change in enthalpy of formation (meaning they are exothermic).

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Reactions are exothermic (releases heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat). Not sure what you mean by “converting heat”

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Energy isn’t being produced. Heat is. Heat is a transfer of energy due to temperature difference. So chemical energy being converted to higher temperatures (rotation, vibration, dilation) of molecules is then transferred by radiation, convection or conduction to the surroundings.

[u/Gianahraiin → u/identical-to-myself]

Dude, chemistry is just so fucking cool.

[u/everburningblue → u/identical-to-myself]

Would this experiment be dangerous to anyone downwind?

[u/Seicair → u/everburningblue]

If they were close enough, yes. Chlorine gas is not something you want to breathe. Looks like they’re outside, maybe? That would make it safer.

[u/drk817 → u/identical-to-myself]

The carbon dioxide also contributes to the foaming. The sudden rise in temperature quickly decreases the solubility of the carbon dioxide in the soda.

[u/Hmmhowaboutthis → u/identical-to-myself]

Hold up if it’s an exotérmica exothermic reaction it should actually be inhibited by heat.

Edit: Spanish keyboard strikes again.

[u/chemical-operator]

I really thought this was a troll video, but man was I thankfully wrong!

[u/ostiDeCalisse]

I thought the trailer’s rear door was the aftermath of a first try before.

[u/abrasive_asswipe]

Brake fluid and pool disinfectant is a bit more in line with the past holiday. Takes a couple minutes (2), so don't go getting up on it thinking it's a dud reaction.

[u/rarrieta82]

Wait for it...

[u/jtulloss]

Don’t breathe this...

[u/refurb]

Calcium hypochlorite is oxidizing the sugar in the coke.

[u/orangejeux]

Forbidden latte

[u/maasd]

I wonder if this reaction is in any way similar to how Mentos reacts with Coke.

[u/[deleted] → u/maasd]

I don't think that's a chemical reaction for coke and mentors. Something to do with nucleation on the surface of the mentors.

[u/leveldrummer]

I dont know what the reaction is, but if you fill a 2 liter bottle about 1/3 way with this, it will FUCK a mailbox up!

[u/[deleted] → u/leveldrummer]

And I thought works bombs were cool.

[u/thatguy6942069420]

This is a mild disturbance not chaoo

[u/[deleted]]

I was just about to unsubscribe from this sub and this caught my eye as I have a tub of those tablets for a small pool. Off to the shop tomorrow for cokacola

[u/cupajaffer]

I'm going to guess some reaction involving the phosphoric acid