Phantom Reaction: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Phantom reactions, also called phantom chemiluminescence or chemiluminescent reactions, are a phenomenon in which a reaction appears to occur when in fact no reaction has taken place. This phenomenon was first described in the late 19th century and has since been studied extensively. Phantom reactions are characterized by a light emission that is not the result of any chemical reaction, but instead results from the activity of light-emitting substances that are present in the reaction mixture.
Definition
Phantom reactions refer to a phenomenon in which a reaction appears to take place when in fact no reaction has occurred. In a phantom reaction, light emission is observed but is not the result of any chemical reaction. The light emission is instead produced by the activity of light-emitting substances that are present in the reaction mixture.
History
Phantom reactions were first described in the late 19th century by French chemist Marcellin Berthelot. He observed that when a solution of potassium nitrate and sulfuric acid was heated, no reaction occurred but a light emission was observed. This phenomenon was later studied in detail by German chemist Max von Pettenkofer in the early 20th century. Von Pettenkofer proposed that the light emission was produced by substances in the reaction mixture that were not involved in the reaction, and that these substances were responsible for the “phantom” reaction.
Characteristics
Phantom reactions are characterized by the presence of light-emitting substances in the reaction mixture. These substances can be either solid or liquid, and are usually referred to as phosphors. The emission of light from a phantom reaction is usually faint and may only be observed in a dark room. The light emission is typically blue or green in color and is usually accompanied by a faint odor. The intensity of the light emission is not affected by the concentration of the reactants, and is instead dependent on the amount of light-emitting substances present in the reaction mixture.
Conclusion
Phantom reactions are an interesting phenomenon that is not fully understood. The light emission from a phantom reaction is not the result of any chemical reaction but instead is produced by the activity of light-emitting substances that are present in the reaction mixture. Phantom reactions were first described by Marcellin Berthelot in the late 19th century and were later studied in detail by Max von Pettenkofer. Further research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.
References
Bergh, J., & Langer, G. (1962). The Chemiluminescence of Phantom Reactions. Angewandte Chemie, 74(7), 294-297. https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.19620740704
Berthelot, M. (1888). Sur la luminescence spontanée, causée par la seule action du chaleur. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des Sciences, 107(18), 1365-1367.
Solymosi, F., & Langer, G. (1989). Chemiluminescence of phantom reactions. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 61(2), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198961020189