What is chemical reaction of barfoed's test and its benefits

The chemical reaction of barfoed's test is a process of the decomposition of ammonium chloride. Ammonium chloride is a inorganic compound with chemical formula NH4Cl. It is typically used as an oxidizing agent and a drying agent (pH regulator). In some instances, it may be found in pickling acid as ammonium bisulfate or as part of the making of MMS (miracle mineral solution). This chemical reaction can occur explosively when volatile species are present. There are three principal explosion hazards associated with this reaction: gas, bomb and dust explosions. Gas explosions involve the release of flammable mixtures contained within confined spaces of the system.

The benefits of barfoed's test

1. It is easy

The reaction of barfoed's test is a simple chemical reaction. This simple chemical reaction is easy. In this process, it can be done in laboratory setting or at home. We just need to add 2 drops of the product (hydrochloric acid) into a bowl containing 10 millilitres of the solution of ammonium chloride. Thus, the chemical reaction occurs.

2. It is cheap

The process is cheap. As mentioned above that we do not need to buy expensive materials or products to do this experiment. We only need to use materials we have in our house and products that we can buy easily and cheaply in anywhere, even in our country (in Philippines).

3. It is efficient

The reaction of barfoed's test is very efficient. Ammonium chloride decomposes to make the substance appear murky or colorless. This product is easily crystallized by adding calcium carbonate. Thus, it can be used as a drying agent for a long time because it can be stored for a long time and does not dry up easily even if it has been stored in the dark place.

4. It is safe

The chemical reaction of barfoed's test is safe because it does not generate a lot of toxic gas. The gas produced is usually nitrogen dioxide, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen chloride and carbon dioxide. The ammonia solution can also be used to clean the room because the ammonium chloride decomposes to give off ammonia vapor. We do not need to be afraid that we will be poisoned by this chemical reaction (Ammonium Chloride). Even we can drink the solution or wash our face with it.

The requirement of barfoed's test

1. 2 drops of HCL (Hydrochloric Acid).

This is the common material that we can obtain easily and cheaply. We only need to buy it in some chemical supply stores or we can use a drop of HCL that is already kept in our house. This is safe because it has no harmful effect on us. We can use this product freely.

2. 10 millilitres of ammonium chloride solution.

This product is safe to use, so we do not need to worry about the effects of this product even if we take it every day or only every week or month. It is safe as well because it has not been used for a long time and its properties have not changed or been destroyed during storage in our room or other tight places where chemicals are stored before using.

3. A 250 ml beaker (two small beakers will do for this experiment).

This is easy to find in our home and can also be found easily in common chemical supply stores. Using two small beakers for this reaction will save time. Inside of each beaker, we only need to put one drop of HCL, approximately 10 millilitres of water (also from our house) and one drop of ammonium chloride solution. We need to add one drop of ammonium chloride solution into the other side by itself.

4. A glass stirrer or needle.

This is another product that we can find easily and cheaply in our home. We only need to buy it. We need to stir the solution carefully with the glass stirrer or needle because we will see the precipitates (the reaction products) as soon as the chemical reaction starts.

5. Some calcium carbonate (optional).

If you want to make a crystal out of this reaction, then we need to add some calcium carbonate into the mixture by adding one or two drops of calcium carbonate into one side of each beaker. After adding them, we should stir the solution again so that we can make crystals out of these chemicals.

In conclusion, chemical reaction of barfoed's test is a simple process. It is easy to do, cheap and safe. We can do this experiment easily at home. We just need to follow the steps mentioned above. In conclusion, this reaction of barfoed's test is safe because it does not generate a lot of toxic gases such as chlorine gas, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide that are usually used with chlorine gas to make it toxic.