The first 'reaction' that we tried for our hand warmer involved dissolving potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3) in water. Potassium carbonate is one of the chemicals left behind in the ashes of burnt wood.

Special reaction conditions are required to obtain hydrogen peroxide from the splitting of water. It was known that the presence of carbonate is useful. But why this is the case was unclear.

One of the most common chemicals connected to calcium is called “carbonate”, and together they make calcium ... Place 1 Tablespoon of water and 1 Tablespoon of vinegar in each of two small plastic ...