How to Make Oxygen a Liquid

Liquid oxygen

Oxygen turns to liquid at a very low temperature--minus 183 degrees C. To get oxygen down to that temperature requires compression and cooling of air. There are complex systems required to make large quantities of liquid oxygen, but small quantities can be made easily with this process.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid nitrogen
• Metal container

Instructions

1. Pour liquid nitrogen into a metal container. Nitrogen is a part of our air, and liquid nitrogen is an extremely cold version of that gas. Liquid oxygen will automatically collect in a condensed form on the outside of the can.

2. Allow the liquid oxygen to drip down. Collect the liquid oxygen as it drips from the can. In a glass flask, liquid oxygen will appear blue. The blue color can be removed by passing the liquid through a silica gel, but the blue will return if the liquid oxygen is left standing.

3. Handle with care. Oxygen is flammable in liquid form, and is even used as an explosive when combined with finely divided carbon. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are used together as propellants for space shuttles.

Tips & Warnings

• Because of its low temperature, liquid oxygen cannot be breathed by humans.

• Use goggles and gloves when handling these cold products.

Resources

• Complex Process for Liquid Oxygen