The Terrifying Glow of Singlet Oxygen (ft. NileRed)

Singlet oxygen is a special excited version of normal molecular oxygen. In solution two singlet oxygen molecules crash into each other and release a flash of light which we see as a red glow. Today we explore two variants of a reaction that can produce this special excited state in what ends up being the worlds scariest glow stick reaction and an interesting example of luminescence that doesn't use a fluorescent dye.
Outside of this reaction, singlet oxygen is something that's pretty pervasive in the natural world. Lots of compounds when exposed to light will convert normal oxygen to the singlet form. It also is one of the main reactive oxidant species that antioxidants in healthy foods protect against as it forms in our bodies.
A HUGE thank you to NileRed as this video wouldn't have been possible without him. If you aren't already, go subscribe to his channel, it's amazing!
/ therednile
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[@BlackopsMason13]

"this is way to dangerous to do in my lab" "we were mostly just eyeballing things"

[@Kidgamer-po6sl]

fume hub is for the win definetly

[@hobomnky]

hehe

[@anonymoususer4706]

It's not the creation that is dangerous, it's the product it produces (chlorine gas.) You can set up a make-shift firing range in your apartment but it's probably safer to go to a licensed firing range.

[@cykablyat6481]

@@anonymoususer4706 also more legal

[@kereminde]

"Don't try this at home... go to a friend's house."

[@BadReligi0nFan69]

Next video: Thought Emporium, NileRed, CodysLab making Nuclear reactors at home to power your gaming PCs.

[@chelarestelar]

And StyroPyro putting lasers instead of RGB LED's

[@trashedeggnog3858]

the backyard scientist detonating watermelons in the back

[@rivenofathousandvoices508]

And its cooled with liquid helium!

[@PunakiviAddikti]

No joke, some people actually made nuclear reactors at home. One such device's failsafe was to open a hatch in the reaction chamber to drop the core in a bucket of water. Yep. Same idea as flooding the reaction chamber with seawater, but less effective at shielding the user from radiation. You know, because an overexcited reactor core in a water bucket is definitely not gonna cause severe radiation poisoning.

[@Kumquat_Lord]

All overseen by Veritasium and smarter every day

[@thethoughtemporium]

Hi All, Couple corrections. I mistakenly said 632nm. It's actually 634nm. Also the state I called "doublet oxygen" is actually also a singlet state, it's just the SECOND singlet state. Had a mistake in my script that I didn't catch. Sorry for the confusion!

[@GelidGanef]

Hey maybe add a link to that death star video?

[@andraskatona9766]

Wow l'm doing synthetic opal for my BSc theses. l'm looking forward to the next video.

[@Wompylulz]

Just a little clarification: at 5:27 you call the sigma gerade siglet a doublet, but that's not the case! Doublet states require one unpaired electron which gives the total spin S a 2-fold degeneracy. The state you refer as doublet is just, using Hund's rules, the first excited singlet state (or the second excited state), ground state being the sigma triplet gerade -, first exited state (also called ground singlet state) being the delta gerade singlet. Hope it helps, love your videos!

[@Inertia888]

I leaned many things from this video that I had even previously considered. My understanding of the world we live in is just a little bit more acute now. Thank you kindly, sirs!

[@sudazima]

angry pixies? someones a fan of ave :P

[@devin19222]

Next collab, create the chemical laser with stryopyro. Guy makes crazy lasers, his knowledge with this and we will have a deathstar.

[@danielpetka446]

I see you're a man of culture as well :D styro is awesome

[@prescott231233]

I think we’re all thinking the same thing...

[@growingcat2479]

a better idea is these peaple, hacksmith, stryo, and some random scientist or engineer

[@Jayfeather298]

photonicinduction

[@mcrazy2080]

Bring in Cody's lab to make the nuclear reactor to power it.

[@ZRTMWA]

*Fires megawatt Singlet Oxygen laser into my own eye* "Don't worry bro, I eat a lot of (antioxidant-rich) fruits and vegetables"

[@medexamtoolsdotcom]

That and a trip to a chiropractor. Oh and a colon cleanse while you're at it, and a homeopathic remedy. Then you'll be good as new.

[@Vinkie]

No worries. It's "all natural"

[@GRBtutorials]

@@medexamtoolsdotcom What's wrong with chiropractors, though?

[@pacman10182]

@@GRBtutorials most of what they claim it helps is complete BS

[@CAMSLAYER13]

@@GRBtutorials it's not very well regulated so you can get a pretty wild range of competency

[@babiskatopodis2787]

Thought Emporium and NileRed in the same video. Christmas came early I guess

[@charleslambert3368]

Now we just need StyroPyro to build the optics.

[@secretqwerty838]

or late depending on how you wanna look at it

[@prescott231233]

Charles Lambert omg I’m so glad someone else thought of this I guess it wouldnt be illegal?

[@connor1186]

And an AvE reference ta'boot.

[@jake3523]

So did I.

[@erictaylor5462]

"This was really dangerous so I went to Nile Red's lab." Wouldn't want to destroy my own equipment.

[@zeljkoradojkovic6159]

Dem angry pixies are choochin' really good

[@thethoughtemporium]

I've watched way too many of his videos and it's honestly the most entertaining way to talk about it so it's slipped into mine and my friends conversations.

[@blueberry1c2]

(Accidentally whiffs a but of chlorine) Aagh! son of a diddly

[@thethoughtemporium]

Now my nose is full of shmoo! I actually like this one the best, because "shmooing" is the technical term for yeast sexual reproduction. SO I also use it in the sense of combining things "now make them shmoo". Tl:dr, shmoo is a very versatile word.

[@recklessroges]

I've had some Knukisanian slip into my vernacular as well. (I hate it and it makes me smile.) AvE is the sane older brother/parent that everyone needs.

[@deathpony698]

skookum

[@DesignedbyWill2084]

Is this also the source of the red glow seen in the aurora sometimes? "It is too dangerous to do here, so I went to NileRed's place." It is good to have friends like that.

[@g00st62]

Yea, its always usefull to have some disposable friends o use for dangerous shit, you dont want to do yourself :^)

[@Ministrator03]

The red glow in the aurora is mostly caused by high energy particles exciting Nitrogen (600nm - 700nm) and Oxygen (630.0 nm). Nitrogen also causes blue tones when being ionized while Oxygen in lower altitudes causes the greens when being excited. So while it is partly Oxygen, it's not the same process as seen here.

[@zoebaz6969]

@@Ministrator03 Correction: Green aurora is 1OS exication at 557 nm, (5577 Å), red is 1OD at 6300 Å, the same as is seen here. The blues and pinks sometimes seen at lower altitudes is caused by various exciations of molecular nitrogen, but the topside auroral red line is due to oxygen-- that's the only element of any significant concentration at 250-300km.

[@fallongarens6734]

@@zoebaz6969 i like this type of correction. ive seen people who are quite rude about it.

[@zoebaz6969]

@@fallongarens6734 i see that specific misunderstanding a lot, and it bugs me a bit but there's no sense in being rude about it :)

[@ilrompiscatole5414]

- Talks about megawatt death laser “But back to the singlet oxygen itself” Nice try but now we all want that death laser 😂

[@Frrk]

You forgot the quotation marks :P This "laser"....

[@ilrompiscatole5414]

Frik Ahahahah

[@DivineMind222]

Styropyro has all your death laser needs! Lll

[@abovelunar3488]

someone call styropyro...

[@loganclementi8947]

- guy with Dr. Evil profile picture

[@ScienceBang]

I was not prepared for a collab of this caliber!

[@zaphenath6756]

collaliber

[@namelesscage]

Bring in StyroPyro as a laser technician and some shenanigans will be had!

[@mateusviniciusduponttomasi7826]

"dont do this at home" TTE: "ok, i'ma do it on a friend's house"

[@AceII]

Nile Red is amazing! Are you both in Montreal? As a Biochemistry prof in Ottawa I’d love to visit

[@neutronpcxt372]

Seems like it.

[@ExtrymGamingLTU]

Love your old videos :D keep up the good work

[@Volvary]

IIRC, NileRed lives in Ontario.

[@mystamo]

@@Volvary He Certainly lives in Alberta.. He's mentioned it before. Or at least on the west side.. Deff not Ontario.

[@neutronpcxt372]

@@Volvary I don't think he lives in Ontario. He lives in Quebec, as one of his receipts was written in French in his origin video.

[@prescott231233]

Chemical laser? Sounds like you need to talk to sytropyro

[@nxovva]

Lol I love sytropyo lazed guns

[@sbsftw4232]

I have no idea what the correct spelling is anymore.

[@maximum-trollage]

@@sbsftw4232 stryopyro

[@carlwheezerofsouls3273]

@@maximum-trollage bruh its STY RO PY RO StyroPyro

[@emiliomesa4425]

Immediately thought of styropyro

[@quinndepatten4442]

"This is way too dangerous to do in my lab, so we're going to take a little trip and visit Nilered." Way to throw him under the bus there buddy. 😂😂😂😂

[@arfyness]

Under the fume hood is the point...

[@underscoredfrisk]

@@arfyness r/woooosh... There goes all the toxic chemicals

[@DnBastard]

wait so... pool tablet + hydrogen peroxide makes this? shit they're right next to each other in my kitchen cabinet

[@OnsideHaddock72]

Your peroxide isnt strong enough buddy

[@tmd9412]

@@OnsideHaddock72 i have 50% peroxide

[@axa122]

@@tmd9412 95% peroxide :). Highest bid.

[@tmd9412]

@@axa122 95.5% Peroxide

[@GRBtutorials]

@@axa122 If that's true, I don't know how your house hasn't exploded yet.

[@TravisTerrell]

"Anger up the pixies?" It's okay--his vernacular is sneaking its way into my speech, as well.

[@ViaStrata]

AvE

[@Papperlapappmaul]

It's officially called "AvErnacular".

[@NickleJ]

You mean your _idiolect_

[@nilphite]

@@NickleJ thank you so much for doing that for me.

[@arfyness]

3:30 My new favorite chemistry phrase: "really angry up the solution"

[@DasIllu]

"...this is why oxygen is such a good oxidator" Uhm, yeah i kinda see point. ;-D

[@recklessroges]

I had that moment as well, but its not as silly as it sounded when you get into the chemistry. (Still better than, "very unique".)

[@lordofwhiskey9608]

would it blow your mind if i told you, there's a better oxidizer than oxygen? xD

[@DasIllu]

@@lordofwhiskey9608 Actually no. It was just the constuction of this sentence that sounded a bit funny to me.

[@lordofwhiskey9608]

Ahhh okay 😂😂

[@nibblrrr7124]

Haha, re-using existing words for new concepts can often cause confusion later on. I guess mathematicians take the cake here, by using everyday terms like _closed_ and _open,_ and ending up with _clopen_ for things that are both - b/c _ofc_ they weren't defined as opposites... (German _abgeschloffen_ = _offen_ & _abgeschlossen_ isn't any better...)

[@andrer.6127]

Super excited you guys finally made this video!!

[@ArchitheFA]

Ah, my first chemiluminescence reaction ^^, straight from "Chemical Curiosities" by H.W Roeslky K. Mockel. Since at that time glow-sticks were impossible to get (times before wide access to internet), this was my only option. Brings back memories, thank you.

[@Munden]

Love collabs and NileRed! Great vid!

[@simjans7633]

Yes! Ive been waiting for this collab for so long

[@AlChemicalLife]

Great video!! I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I love seeing where you have came over the past 8+ years ! Keep up the great work !

[@Phantom0fTheRouter]

Never seen a video of that last over 8 minutes... Usually not more than 8 seconds... Wow! That is definitely some hang time.

[@carrotylemons1190]

Them: puts chemical with other chemicals in jar Me: ooooh bubbly milk!

[@CIMiclette]

That opal video sounds awesome can't wait!

[@geddon436]

A great point you made about the mixture not producing the ideal result because you "guessed" instead of precisely measuring it, thus showing sucess and failure or sucess and slight yield comes down to the details.

[@spiderjuice9874]

2:40 Solution looking vaguely bluish? How about dissolved ozone?

[@flurgy22]

I thought ozone would be almost purple.

[@BothHands1]

nile red is the best! do some more collabs with him!!

[@gl1500ctv]

5:04 Wasn't this the plot of Real Genius? Megawatt chemical lasers!

[@TRx-oj5nw]

Such a well put together video. Hats off to you guys!

[@christianquackenbush43]

dude your channel is the science class I had always hoped for cool reactions how they are utilized to make physical sense

[@PiercingSight]

"...which is why oxygen is such a powerful oxidizer" lol

[@Kumquat_Lord]

Well, until you meet chlorine triflouride.

[@Shaun_Jones]

@@Kumquat_Lord “that’s a nice flame-resistant material you have there. It would be a shame if something were to set it on fire.”

[@Kumquat_Lord]

@@Shaun_Jones "that's a nice chunk of asbestos there, would be a shame if something were to happen to it"

[@Koroistro]

You cannot talk about enormous death lasers without attempting to build them, or promising to try, that's like illegal or something :P

[@XZenon]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS COLLAB FOR YEARS

[@Chronically_ChiII]

Very cool. Nice to hear you touch on such different subject linked to singlet Oxygen.

[@olegshevchenko5869]

5:50 a few mistakes here: 1) Triplet means that there're three possible spin sums with the same amount of energy of the entire electron system, not just some arbitrurarily particular arrangement of electron spins. So for oxygen that means that we either pair up all of the electrons (an excited state since there's higher energy due to extra pairing), in which case there can only be one sum of spins - 0; or we can leave the two final electrons separate, each on its own degenerate pi*-orbital. Since spin alignment does not effect the total energy, we must count all possible sums of spin to give a name to this degenerate state. The three possible combinations give the sum of 1 (+1/2 and +1/2), 0 (+1/2 and -1/2, or -1/2 and +1/2) and -1 (-1/2 and -1/2). Three possible states with the same energy = triplet. Triplet is not just +1/2 and +1/2, it's all of the three combinations. Since this is the case of any system with two unpaired electrons, triplet basically just means two unpaired electrons. The reason we don't give name to any particular combination is the uncertainty princple, I suppose, which suggests that a quantum system cannot be described as a particular state until we observe it firsthand. 2) This also means that doublet oxygen is not a thing. Doublet, as of an electron system, simply means there's just one unpaired electron, with two possible states: +1/2, or -1/2 (hence the word doublet). Neutral O2 can't have just one unpaired electron. EDIT: and what here is represented as doublet is not singlet but triplet, since it has the same energy as the figure to its right, not left. 3) Both triplet and singlet oxygens have the bond order of 2, which means that the scheme at 5:22 is just wrong Singlet and triplet oxygens cannot be adequatly represented as valence shells (which is, like, one of the first known evidences supporting the theory of Molecular Orbitals, since it can predict what valence shells cannot).

[@halowarrior1000]

Totally thought you were going to say "We're going to make synthetic opioids at some point"

[@TACCOFSX]

Done this experiment a few weeks ago in my chemistry class. It's really exiting when you see it up close for real

[@AsymptoteInverse]

I've read articles on Chemical Oxygen Iodine Lasers, but this is the first time I felt like I understood them at all. Cheers! Also, that's a very pretty and very ominous shade of red.

[@recklessroges]

Excellent co-lab (if only I could think of a clever pun ;-s )

[@medexamtoolsdotcom]

If that wasn't a clever pun, I can hardly imagine what qualifies. That's right up there with "Rudolf the red knows rain, dear" and "chess nuts boasting in an open foyer".

[@bodyno3158]

A homemade COIL...nice. For those who don't know, Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser is a component of the US military airborne laser weapon, Boeing YAL-1. Basically a frickin' laser cannon mounted on a Boeing 747.

[@chemlab5038]

(body no) thanks for explaining it 😄

[@soaringvulture]

Yes. That sounds like a horrible plane to be in with that great big singlet oxygen generator and the chlorine and 60% peroxide tanks to feed it. What could go wrong?

[@bodyno3158]

@@soaringvulture That is one of the reasons why USAF canceled this project....don't forget the iodine source. From some documents I found that the singlet oxygen generator of COIL acts like a rocket engine...shove everything inside and burn them up. What could go wrong, right?

[@bodyno3158]

@@BackYardScience2000 Yes, but that COIL used in YAL-1 did need some high-proof peroxide.

[@bodyno3158]

@@BackYardScience2000 Iodine is okay, but high-proof peroxide is no joke.

[@devinfordale8386]

Discovered this channel about an hour or two ago and am impressed with everything that I'm learning. I had no idea that chemical based lasers even existed..So cool.

[@fish_1106]

ive been waiting for this collab

[@WhoLocke]

I clicked because of the Nile Red name drop :) Good video by the way!

[@Veemon657]

Same

[@DerSolinski]

Next up: A tour thorough the new national landmark, "The Pixie Crater" because three YTler thought it would be a good idea to hole up in a cabin with expensive tools and chemicals.

[@stevenswenson7041]

Thanks for this. This was new to me!

[@kylebowles9820]

Awesome video, can't wait for the opal video! don't forget to include some voice clips of Nile Red next time

[@nicktohzyu]

did you just refer to electrons as pixies like what AvE does?

[@yeetusfetus8687]

Time for another crossover!

[@VRtechman]

I'm coming up BLANK! 😒😅🤔

[@southernkatrina8161]

Dropping f bombs will be next...

[@deadman2915]

Man that'd be a fun vid.

[@rushthezeppelin]

@@deadman2915 Next thing you know he will be including rough takes with "Focus you FUCK!!"

[@holguacamol8408]

Do a collab with Nile Red and NurdRage 😍

[@sinnison23]

The collab with NileRed was an awesome surprise, but then the AvE reference just knocked it out of the park. Cheers.

[@origamigek]

love the vid, please incorporate all reactions in text on the screen when shown / talked aboot!

[@Parz1val465]

Nobody: Singlet Oxygen: 😡

[@hotaru8309]

Awwww He's just lonely

[@Parz1val465]

@@hotaru8309 aint we all

[@user.who137]

So Cody's Lab, StyroPyro, NileRed, Michel Reeves, and you do collab for that laser thing.

[@ReDMooNTVV]

Great work, def do more collabs with Nile pls

[@jeremycrochtiere6317]

Awesome video, such an interesting topic regarding this unique form of Oxygen, thanks for the share.

[@sciencemodelaboratory7298]

You are doing great job.

[@adamnedved1537]

Oh nice NileRed and you in a one video the best chemistry youtubers

[@aldrnarienby4756]

Can't wait for the next collab with Nile!

[@LyraKeltica61]

I subed rednile a long time ago and I definately love his videos. Thank Q for up loading this vid GOD BLESS~~~

[@TheRealHusk]

You know, they use to say not to play with matches, I’ll one up that and say you shouldn’t play with chlorine gas..

[@teaI..]

You wanna know what's more terrifying? *Not knowing the powerhouse of the cell.*

[@gingerale6634]

Anti Bullshit m I t c h o c o n d r I a

[@kasai7272]

Mitochondria!!!!

[@hairyputter5363]

It's Ribosomes you fools

[@_VI701]

@@hairyputter5363 now THIS is big brain time

[@acompletelynormalhuman6392]

the tardigrade apocalypse is coming you may Laugh at Me Now but when three billion tardigrade swarm you you won't be laughing

[@RealRedRabbit]

Neat. First video of your s that I've seen. I'll sub.

[@daygenandrews1321]

love nile red, great video. Glad you popped up in my feed.

[@fsdgadfase]

Singlet oxygen also induces oil rancidity through oxidation.

[@krass76]

the perfect prank: go to your friends cupboard and set up some singlet oxygen to bubble through his cooking oil. if he asks about it ask him how he survived the chlorine gas!

[@Chronically_ChiII]

Remember kids, *always keep your oils in the cooler,* especially those who are less processed (and have more omega3).

[@pietrotettamanti7239]

@@Chronically_ChiII no, just away from sunlight and oxygen

[@lichewitz8905]

Hey! Nice video, but I have a little correction to make: the state you are showing in 5:46 is not a "doublet" oxygen, because the spin multiplicity of that state is 1 (you can clearly see that in the MO diagram). That is also a singlet state, however it is indeed a higher energy singlet. The spectroscopic term for this state is 1Σ

[@XxPlayMakerxX131]

Wow, so much information in such a small period

[@piranha031091]

Yaay! Two of my favorite youtubers together!

[@moth.monster]

"oxygen is a powerful oxidizer"

[@horstherbert35]

phrases that only a chemist wouldn't feel stupid for saying

[@andrewfortmusic]

I wonder if this singlet oxygen reaction is what causes the weather phenomenon known as a sprite. Perhaps, if so, the elf which occurs slightly before and above it would be a result of the same sort of reaction; that would explain the red glow created by both. There are fewer oxygen molecules that high in the sky, so it would likely take a large charge in order to create it, but I think a lightning bolt would be sufficient. I've read that the red color in auroras is caused by upper-atmosphere oxygen excitation as well.

[@wallywutsizface6346]

Excited for that synth opal vid

[@jozefnovak7750]

Super! Thank you very much!

[@Roshkin]

What happens if you put a tomato in with the singlet oxygen? Will the antioxidants antioxidize?

[@nightrous3026]

Amazing. I love seeing my favorite nerds working together. Like william osman and... child boi. (Micheal reeves)

[@Tonatsi]

Isaac Westawski now mykull is dating lily

[@Bludgeoned2DEATH2]

I love this. You have a new Sub 👍🏽

[@CsOH23]

Really nice video! I have a remark about the molecular orbitals on the picture at 5:27 - 6:00: The configuration in the middle is called 'open-shell singlet'. A system with even number of electrons cannot be a doublet.

[@MudakTheMultiplier]

Did somebody say lazers? Maybe you should do a follow-up collab with Styropyro!

[@GabrielCarvv]

ahahaha yes

[@chriskaprys]

Thought Emporium + NileRed collaborating. I believe that means I've officially finished KZbin. The End

[@WineScrounger]

I’m still waiting for AvE & Hydraulic Press Channel.

[@lorenzoporciani]

Wowww, both my most favourite youtubers together!

[@Twonathon1]

Love your channel!

[@DrewskisBrews]

"Angry up the pixies" I know where you got that from ;)

[@Baghuul]

Do you taste metal? Dyatlov - You must be delusional

[@haydennorris2913]

Two of my favorite youtubers!

[@midnightsocean2689]

Super informative. Very cool. :)

[@livedandletdie]

Ha you uploaded it in HD but I watched it in 480p... jokes on you.

[@therealgamer8150]

"That's more than enough power to shoot satellites out of orbit". Excuse me while I pick my jaw off the floor

[@Dinnye01]

Honestly, Nigel is one of the nicest youtuber in the world - and his anti-climactic but accurate style is highly enjoyable.

[@jakelevinson7802]

When the video started I thought it was now red talking. You two are my favorite KZbinr’s. I never realized how similar your voices were

[@ohokcool]

“Angry up the pixies” You must know of my friend AvE

[@gamereditor59ner22]

Interesting experiment!!! Keep it up!!😎👍

[@slehar]

From a man from a completely different world - THANK YOU for giving us a glimpse into YOUR fascinating world! Singlet Oxygen eh? Who would have ever thunk it!

[@itsrachelfish]

Subbed for the promise of synthetic opal. Can't wait!

[@eliasbouhout1]

You took the video down after 10 mins I almost missed this

[@wallstquant]

yeah; i was 5:36 in when it went away...

[@thethoughtemporium]

sorry ya'll. had to fix a thing. It's fixed now

[@eliasbouhout1]

@@wallstquant Yeah apparently it wasn't showing up correctly on his dashboard and had to reupload

[@eliasbouhout1]

@@thethoughtemporium Oh fuck he is here! How you doing bro?

[@wallstquant]

@@thethoughtemporium it's cool... i've given this one the required thumb's up again

[@neutronpcxt372]

Wait, both of you guys are Quebeckers? Didn't know. Would love to see you too work together more. ;)

[@realcygnus]

Superb Content ! .......as per usual

[@Kerosiin]

“That’s enough power to shoot satellites out of orbit” *Hey ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today*

[@masonp1314]

Collab with NileRed?! What's next, a collaborative effort with Codyslab?

[@Chronically_ChiII]

They would all come together to create a nuclear reactor.

[@godfreypoon5148]

Here in Australia we call it "Wife-Beater Oxygen".

[@raverkidloki]

Im so excited you did a video with nilered

[@CAPTAINCAPSLOCK111]

Hi! I just saw that you are going to make synthetic opal. I have been tinkering with this a while ago and actually am still settling my monodisperse silica spheres as we speak. I have used the Stöber method to create the nanospheres and it worked quite good. I immediately got an opalescent effect after some minutes. If you want to exchange some Ideas, let me know!