Sciencemadness Discussion Board - Capturing O2 to breath

Capturing O2 to breath

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 12:22

So they have oxygen bars where you can go and breath pure oxygen because it makes you feel euphoric and probably is good for you because of added oxygen to your blood.

So, I read a lab with pictures on how you would could get oxygen from hydrogen peroxide by adding magnesium dioxide as a catalyst to speed up the decomposition of H2O2.

My question is, if you did this in a flask and captured the gas in a balloon would it be safe to inhale or would it have H2O2 vapor in it or something else you shouldn't breath?

Or is it technically pure but just a bad idea to try?? Haha

Thanks!

Nijaz - 22-11-2013 at 12:47

Quote: Originally posted by NiK

So, I read a lab with pictures on how you would could get oxygen from hydrogen peroxide by adding magnesium dioxide as a catalyst to speed up the decomposition of H2O2.

Watch youtube video from NurdRage "Make MnSO4 from MnO2".

Where he says:
"MANGANESE sulfate is not MAGNESIUM sulfate".

MANGANESE DIOXIDE?

bismuthate - 22-11-2013 at 12:53

KMnO4, yeast and many other things also work. I think that it most likely by fit to breath since (pharmacy) H2O2 is fit to be used as mouthwash.

Nijaz - 22-11-2013 at 13:08

@bismuthate:
Yeast can make Hydrogen or Carbon Dioxide gases, but never Oxygen.

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 13:08

Quote: Originally posted by Nijaz

Quote: Originally posted by NiK

So, I read a lab with pictures on how you would could get oxygen from hydrogen peroxide by adding magnesium dioxide as a catalyst to speed up the decomposition of H2O2.

Watch youtube video from NurdRage "Make MnSO4 from MnO2".

Where he says:
"MANGANESE sulfate is not MAGNESIUM sulfate".

MANGANESE DIOXIDE?

Yes, sorry. It was Manganese dioxide.

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 13:10

Quote: Originally posted by bismuthate

KMnO4, yeast and many other things also work. I think that it most likely by fit to breath since (pharmacy) H2O2 is fit to be used as mouthwash.

I would be using 27.5% H2O2, would this make a difference?

bismuthate - 22-11-2013 at 13:12

Well it depends how pure it is.(it probably is ok, but it's nice to be on the safe side)

Nijaz - 22-11-2013 at 13:14

Yes, in speed. It would make much Oxygen for short amount of time. You can control that rate of production (speed) by diluting it.

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 13:20

Quote: Originally posted by Nijaz

@bismuthate:
Yeast can make Hydrogen or Carbon Dioxide gases, but never Oxygen.

The peroxidase enzymes in yeast catalyse the decomposition of the peroxide, as does blood.

blogfast25 - 22-11-2013 at 13:23

Other than for strictly medical purposes, inhaling purish oxygen is just another New Age fad from which probably little is to be gained. A fairly expensive habit could develop from it.

Go for some invigorating walks in the hills or on the beach: more enjoyable and cheaper too. Probably more effective too.

[Edited on 22-11-2013 by blogfast25]

elementcollector1 - 22-11-2013 at 13:25

Personally, I prefer oceanside jogs or swimming - but to each his own.
While it's true that more oxygen in the blood will mean better physical performance, it's not nearly a catch-all solution - especially considering that after breathing pure oxygen, you'll be gasping down regular air like you're still in the mountains.

bismuthate - 22-11-2013 at 13:25

Well I say it's worth a try for the heck of it.
If you wanted to as deltaH said blood works to (alchemy time)

UnintentionalChaos - 22-11-2013 at 13:35

Quote: Originally posted by NiK

I would be using 27.5% H2O2, would this make a difference?

Yes, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide this concentrated can be powerfully exothermic and downright violent. Here is a classic chem demonstration using 30% H₂O₂ and manganese dioxide.

<iframe sandbox width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5q5bzHckSIM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I suggest much more dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide.

[Edited on 11-22-13 by UnintentionalChaos]

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 14:00

Quote: Originally posted by bismuthate

Well I say it's worth a try for the heck of it.
If you wanted to as deltaH said blood works to (alchemy time)

I simply assumed blood contains peroxidase as dilute peroxide solutions used for disinfection fizzes instantly upon hitting a wound.

I wonder if spit also contains some peroxidase? Would be good if the enzyme is dilute so the decomposition is not so fast. Anyone ever spit into H2O2 solutions?

[Edited on 22-11-2013 by deltaH]

bismuthate - 22-11-2013 at 14:02

I would think so because I have been told that it bubbles in the mouth.

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 14:04

Well there you go then... lol

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 14:07

Quote: Originally posted by blogfast25

Other than for strictly medical purposes, inhaling purish oxygen is just another New Age fad from which probably little is to be gained. A fairly expensive habit could develop from it.

Go for some invigorating walks in the hills or on the beach: more enjoyable and cheaper too. Probably more effective too.

[Edited on 22-11-2013 by blogfast25]

Yes, very true. However, I just enjoy performing the chemistry in my home lab; having a [somewhat] practical use just makes it a little more satisfying. Whether that be a cool crystal to keep or some H₂ gas to ignite! In this case I think it would be cool to capture the O₂ gas from a reaction and breathe it (assuming it is safe) and briefly feel the effects that you would at an oxygen bar or hospital, etc. Using the O₂ to speed up something burning would be kinda interesting too.

If you can't tell I'm a pretty amateur "chemist" and I'm sure my interests will evolve with time, as will my skills and knowledge (I hope).

Nijaz - 22-11-2013 at 14:15

Imagine how easily it is to melt almost everything by burning charcoal in pure oxygen. About 3000 deg. Celsius or even much more.

subsecret - 22-11-2013 at 14:19

Don't be concerned about mists or vapors... If you want to be extra safe, you could pass the oxygen through cotton wool.

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 14:22

Ok back to more serious matters, decomposing peroxide to oxygen will inevitably contain small amounts of H2O2 in the gas vis-a-vie H2O2's vapour pressure, ergo, trace peroxide will make it to your alveoli and I'm guessing peroxide doesn't belong in lungs... hence I would advise against inhaling said vapours!

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 14:31

Quote: Originally posted by deltaH

Ok back to more serious matters, decomposing peroxide to oxygen will inevitably contain small amounts of H2O2 in the gas vis-a-vie H2O2's vapour pressure, ergo, trace peroxide will make it to your alveoli and I'm guessing peroxide doesn't belong in lungs... hence I would advise against inhaling said vapours!

Very good point, I was just reading about vapor pressure haha. Would the cotton wool idea prevent this issue??

Thanks!

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 14:37

Quote: Originally posted by NiK

Quote: Originally posted by deltaH

Very good point, I was just reading about vapor pressure haha. Would the cotton wool idea prevent this issue??

Thanks!

Cotton wool would only prevent entrainment. That is when micro-droplets get carried in the fast flowing gas stream. It will not, however, remove peroxide from the vapour. Only a catalyst can decompose the peroxide in the vapour.

elementcollector1 - 22-11-2013 at 14:38

The cotton wool might, but I would recommend passing the gas through a 'plug' of cotton wool or cloth impregnated/coated with manganese dioxide.
Except then you have the chance of inhaling manganese... Not fun.

bismuthate - 22-11-2013 at 14:41

How about yeast?

deltaH - 22-11-2013 at 14:43

Oh god, guys... look at my avatar... look at what you're suggesting... make the deduction...

[Edited on 22-11-2013 by deltaH]

watson.fawkes - 22-11-2013 at 14:45

Quote: Originally posted by NiK

In this case I think it would be cool to capture the O₂ gas from a reaction and breathe it (assuming it is safe) and briefly feel the effects that you would at an oxygen bar or hospital, etc.

There are several kinds of chemical oxygen generators. None of the common ones use peroxides, although potassium superoxide has been used. That's about as mad a science as an amateur might consider; from the cited page: "Potassium superoxide is produced by burning molten potassium in an atmosphere of oxygen". The oxygen candle reagents of sodium chlorate and iron, however, are easily within an amateur's reach.

NiK - 22-11-2013 at 16:44

Well as neat as it would be to capture some pure oxygen and successfully breathe it, I think I'll just burn something in it and watch how much faster it burns. Seems a little safer!

...though I do like the idea of making a cotton wool plug doused in manganese dioxide, do you guys this that would be worth trying?

unionised - 23-11-2013 at 06:09

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_toxicity

Mailinmypocket - 23-11-2013 at 06:18

I don't really understand the whole point of the oxygen bars. In my attempt to understand them I once inflated a couple balloons with oxygen from a cylinder and inhaled all of them... Didn't really feel anything to be quite honest. It tasted like ballon air and was not envigorating at all- it did annoy me to have wasted oxygen though

blogfast25 - 23-11-2013 at 06:49

Quote: Originally posted by Mailinmypocket

I don't really understand the whole point of the oxygen bars.

Really? It's not hard. Tell a bunch of credulous half wits they'll benefit from breathing pure oxygen. Create a 'narrative' full of half truths, vague analogies, syllogisms and other kernels to make them believe parting with their cash for O2 will be good for them. Set up a setting that reflects the 'narrative' well and make it 'trendy' and 'cool'. Now don't forget your magic marker, to mark up the 'product'. Advertise and make sure you're well stocked!

KAA-SSSHHIIINGNG!

Don't forget to smile all the way to the bank!

[Edited on 23-11-2013 by blogfast25]