‘Dissolving’ polystyrene in acetone

Numerous expanded polystyrene foam beads on a blue background

Source: © Shutterstock

Investigate what happens to polystyrene when it is placed in propanone (acetone) in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as expanded polystyrene is placed in propanone (acetone). They then attempt to solve the mysterious disappearance of the polystyrene – which seems to dissolve – and investigate the clue of the ‘fizzing’ gas bubbles released.

A small volume of propanone can absorb an impressive volume of expanded polystyrene, making this an attention-grabbing demonstration.

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