Introduction: Make a Glow Stick Reaction Using Real Chemicals
Here I show you how to make a glow stick reaction with real chemicals.
Yes this is a repost, i made a huge mistake on the last one
The glowstick reaction is made using a diphenyl oxalate derivative known as bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate or TCPO. Additional ingredients include ethyl acetate as a solvent, sodium acetate as a base, 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene to give it the green color, and hydrogen peroxide to react with the TCPO and create light.
The exact proportions are:
15mL of ethyl acetate
3mg of 9,10-bis(phenyethynyl) anthracene
1g of sodium acetate
800mg of TCPO
3mL of hydrogen peroxide added last to initiate the reaction.
The exact same process is used in glow sticks. This is NOT mountain dew. Mountain dew cannot glow like this, it does not have the crucial TCPO chemical or any chemical like that.
The reaction will glow in the dark for several minutes if you use ethyl acetate as the solvent. It will glow for several hours if you use diethyl phthalate as the solvent.
WARNING: Trolls , idiots or morons might post comments claiming you can make glow sticks by other compositions. Ignore them all. NONE of them (not even luminol) last as long as the peroxylate category of chemiluminescent reactions. And some 'alternative' (read FAKE) compositions are dangerous, toxic or explosive, do no attempt *ANY* of them. (except luminol)
Sorry i have to spam like that. But some people are so desperate to make their own glow stick that they'll try anything and trolls prey upon this. A couple of years ago a kid I knew heard that you could make a glow stick from alcohol and pool chlorine.... He's permanently blind now. Sure he's stupid but no one told him that mixing those two was dangerous and that he was lied to.
49 Comments
Question 10 months ago on Introduction
Hi, this might be a stupid question, but is there any way to make something like this but on string? And when the string is heated by friction, it would glow? (I’m sorry that’s so specific, but yay science project)
7 years ago
Don't know how many Q&A I have read on this board today. My my own perspective is just buy the cheap glo-sticks at Walmart. I know a lot of young, or new to this subject are jacked up, and are almost ready to start the manufacturing process. it is advisable you entertain a few questions. Do you really want to handle chemicals that WILL kill you, in your home, or will pollute the air in close proximity to your family? If you think yes, well then read on Bubba.
14 years ago on Introduction
When the glow eventually fades is it gone for good or can the solution be charged by exposing it to light?
Reply 7 years ago
I don't see any of the other reply's for these questions. Are they hidden for a reason, "Here I am being nice", or do you have to join DIY to see them?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
its just like a regular glow stick. so when its dead its gone
7 years ago
question: what is the level of toxicity here? should be in open or closed space? is a foom hood better idea to make it?
7 years ago
Dear nurdrage,
can we make a glow stick which emmitts infrared light using different dyes???
such as using
dihexyloxyviolanthrone or 16,17-butyloxyviolanthrone or 1-N,N-dibutylaminoanthracene or 6-methylacridinium iodide.
8 years ago
Sorry, but I keep getting questions! Are you using glass or plastic (or other) in the video?
8 years ago
About how much would it cost me to make this? Are there any applications to the real world other than glow sticks?
8 years ago on Introduction
do commercial glowsticks also use ethyl acetate as solvent? i cant find it anywere on the internet.
8 years ago
How long will this reaction work? Only once or even if you shake it, it start again?
13 years ago on Introduction
Is this toxic? Is it safe to say, splatter your clothes for an hourly night glow? Safe to touch? Thanks.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Sorry for being four years late, but TCPO is a carcinogen (it can cause cancer) and generally touching it should be avoided.
9 years ago on Introduction
How to calculate theoretically the glow time? What is the reaction rate constant TCPO and H2O2? Help please. My email vadymka1999@gmail.com
10 years ago on Introduction
Can CPPO be plugged straight into this formula instead of TCPO and have the same proportions? If not, how would the proportions change? By the way, I'm conducting an experiment varying the organic solvent (ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl acetate), and I am using the same proportion as shown in your video, "Make Glow Sticks - The Science". Help as soon as possible is appreciated.
11 years ago on Introduction
f i add more hydrogen peroxide to the rest of the chemicals needed to make the glowsticks glow what would happen
13 years ago on Introduction
Hi! Tell me please, can I use anthracene to get the luminescence?
14 years ago on Introduction
What is the point of using a voice changer for this?
Anyway, really nice reaction!
14 years ago on Introduction
omg this is amazing but its not what i`m looking for is there anyway the solution can be thickened to make it into a paint like liquid for clubbing or gigs
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
We're working on an instructable to do that.
It takes a different approach, we make a glow-in-the-dark powder and then mix it with a gel to make it paintable.
Its taking awhile to get done, eventually we will be ready to post it.