Smoldering reaction

Honors chemistry student Dominick Leskiw took a succession of photos of the spontaneous combustion of potassium permanganate and glycerin. This was an end of the year activity, and the demonstration revolved around discussion of redox reactions. Although the reaction volcano looks impressive, the actual reactant amounts were very small. This reaction should be done in a fume hood or well-ventilated area and like all chemical demonstrations involving fire and smoke, professional caution should be used.