Canned Heat - Sterno

By mixing concentrated calcium acetate solution with alcohol, a colloidal gel is formed.  When this gel is burned, it can be used as a heat source similar to the commercial product Sterno.  The gel is a safer source of heat since it is not as volatile and will not spill.

Concepts:  Gels, colloids, heat, precipitation

Time Required:  15 minutes

Chemicals Needed:  calcium acetate monohydrate (3 g), ethyl alcohol (95%), 75 mL, sodium chloride, pinch,