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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: LonelyTylenoL on June 20, 2010, 10:59:58 PM

Title: Hydrogen Peroxide + Cream of Tartar + Penny?
Post by: LonelyTylenoL on June 20, 2010, 10:59:58 PM

Hey all,

I was searching around the net and found a bit of info that potassium bitartrate (KC4H5O6) will clean Copper (I) and Copper (II) oxides off a penny.  It also said hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) would speed up the reaction.  I decided to try it out, combining 3% stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide from the pharmacy with the baking ingredient cream of tartar, then microwaving it for about 30 seconds, finally to drop the penny in.

To my astonishment, a chemical reaction actually started to occur.  A lot of gas was bubbling off of the penny, so I sealed the small container with saran wrap to prevent the gas from escaping.

Could some one explain what is going on here?  I should also mention that the water is tinting blue.

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Hydrogen Peroxide + Cream of Tartar + Penny?
Post by: LonelyTylenoL on June 21, 2010, 01:32:27 PM

I just added sodium carbonate and a yellow orange insoluble substance precipitated out.  I am stumped and cannot figure out the correct equations!