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Moissan isolating fluorine, 1886
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Moissan isolating fluorine, 1886
Moissan isolating fluorine. Historical artwork of the French chemist Henri Moissan (1852-1907) isolating fluorine in 1886. The electrolysis set-up at right centres on a beaker containing a U-tube in a cooling liquid (at minus 23 degrees Celsius). The U-tube contains a solution of potassium fluoride (provides electrical conductivity) in hydrofluoric acid. The electrical wires connect to electrodes (iridium/platinum) dipped inside the U-tube. Side tubes allow collection of the products (hydrogen gas, right; fluorine gas [yellow], left). Moissan was awarded the 1906 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his work on fluorine and electric arc furnaces. From Physique Populaire (E. Desbeaux, 1891)
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Media ID 6411440
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1886 1891 Apparatus Chemical Element Chemist Cold Collecting Coolant Cooled Dead Desbeaux Electric Electrical Electricity Electrode Electrodes Electrolysing Electrolysis Electrolyte Electrolytic Experiment Experimental Experimenting Fluorine France French Iridium Isolating Low Temperature Physique Populaire Platinum Preparing Researcher Researching Scientist Thirties Laboratory
EDITORS COMMENTS
This historical artwork captures the momentous occasion when French chemist Henri Moissan successfully isolated fluorine in 1886. The detailed illustration showcases Moissan's innovative electrolysis set-up, which played a crucial role in this groundbreaking achievement. At the center of the image, we see a beaker containing a U-tube immersed in a cooling liquid at an astonishingly low temperature of minus 23 degrees Celsius. Inside the U-tube is a solution of potassium fluoride dissolved in hydrofluoric acid, providing electrical conductivity for the experiment. Two electrodes made of iridium and platinum are connected to electrical wires and submerged inside the U-tube. The side tubes allow for collection of the resulting products: hydrogen gas on the right and yellow-colored fluorine gas on the left. This visual representation highlights Moissan's meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Henri Moissan's pioneering work with fluorine and electric arc furnaces earned him recognition as he was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1906. His contributions to chemistry continue to inspire scientists today. This beautifully colored illustration from Physique Populaire by E. Desbeaux in 1891 provides us with a glimpse into one of history's most significant chemical experiments conducted by an esteemed researcher during France's rich scientific heritage.
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