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What is the method for using an inverted burette or a gas syringe to measure gas produced in a thermal decomposition reaction? I have searched everywhere on the internet and in books but I can't find any detailed explanations. I am looking specifically at the thermal decomposition of hydrogen peroxide of different concentrations at room temperature using catalase.
Igloo writes ..........
An inverted burette is not the best choice of equipment in an experiment of this sort. You ought to be using a gas syringe, probably in conjunction with a conical flask.
Since drawing the apparatus for you is rather time-consuming I have taken the liberty of using Google together with “gas syringe” and come up with the following web reference:
http://www.gcsechemistry.com/igasyringe.htm
If you access this on the internet you will see the sort of apparatus you should be using for your practical. The flask could be immersed in a waterbath at a measured temperature. The “thermal decomposition” you mention in your first sentence implies that you are going to apply heat to the solution. If so, then of course the waterbath could be adjusted to give readings over a range of temperatures.
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updated: 11 November 2007
