Heating Saline with an Element: Is it Possible?

[joeha]

Hi there. Is there any element, when exposed to saline, will cause the saline to heat up? More to the point, I would like to add something to a jar of saline and heat it up. Is that possible?

Thanks, ~J

 

[Borek]

Add hot water?

 

[joeha]

Hi Borek. Yea, besides that. Thanks though.
~ J

 

[Borek]

Hot ethanol? Concentrated sulfuric acid? Piece of sodium?

In case you are missing the point - you have not explained what are the constraints and what you are really trying to do, so you can't expect much better answers.

 

[joeha]

For sure. Let me explain.

With an exterior heating source like flame or warmer solution, I'm looking to start with cold saline solution (50º as an example) and add element X in order to heat the solution (say 60º).

All I really need to know is whether or not there is any element that is capable of a reaction like this? Is it possible? That's the jist of it.
Thanks, ~ Joe D

 

[Borek]

With an exterior heating source like flame or warmer solution, I'm looking to start with cold saline solution (50º as an example) and add element X in order to heat the solution (say 60º).

If you have an external source of heat doesn't matter what element you add, you will end with a heated saline.

 

[joeha]

Sorry man. I'm new to this. It should read "Without an external heating source..."

 

[Borek]

That changes things a bit.

So basically you are looking for an element that will react exothermically with a diluted water solution, containing some salt and small amounts of organic compounds?

 

[joeha]

Exactly.

 

[Borek]

And you are aware of the fact after the reaction the original solution will be highly contaminated with the reaction products?

 

[joeha]

I didn't think about that and it's ok if it is.

 

[Borek]