Arndt-Eistert Homologation

This is probably the most technically advanced/dangerous set up I've experienced to date. The extremely thermally unstable and shock sensitive molecule diazomethane is taken, converted into an analogous compound, then irradiated for ~10 hours with a 400 W mercury arc lamp. The buckets and tubing contain ice cold cooling water to stop the whole thing exploding.

The glowing box reminds me of the briefcase from the final scene in Pulp Fiction.

It's worth noting that even with protective UV goggles, staring directly at a high powered lamp is never a good idea, and my eyes were kept firmly shut for the duration of the photo.