For this experiment, we were required to choose a household substance, and name five physical and five chemical of the substance. I chose vanilla extract (hence the title). The vanilla extract was a rich brown in color, had a sweet odor, and a volume of 5 mL. Vanilla is also liquid at room temperature, and has a boiling point of 78.3°C to 100°C. Some chemical properties of vanilla are flammability, non-reaction with bases and solids, and acidity. Color, odor, phase, and boiling point are intensive properties. Volume is an extensive property. To determine the chemical propeties of vanilla, I conducted a series of experiments. The first experiment was to determine whether or not vanilla is flammable.
First, I measured out 5 mL of vanilla and put it into a non-flammable container.
Then, I lit a match, and set the vanilla on fire.
I concluded that vanilla is indeed flammable, due to its high alcohol content.
For the second experiment, I tried to determine the reaction of vanilla to acid.
First, I measured out 2.5 mL of vanilla.
Then, I measured out 15 mL of vinegar.
I mixed the two together and observed the reaction.
.....
It wasn't very exciting.
I concluded that vanilla has a low reactivity to acids.
For the final experiment, I determined vanilla's reaction to a base.
First, I measured out 2.5 mL of vanilla.
Then, I measured out 2.5 mL of baking soda.
I mixed them to tether, and observed the reaction.
I concluded that vanilla has a low reactivity to bases.
This wasn't very exciting either.
