What is the name for a reaction with a solid product rising from its container?

The [reaction between sugar and sulfuric acid](http://www.rsc.org/education/eic/issues/2007March/ExhibitionChemistry.asp) is well known to produce a solid column of rising carbon which may leave its container. A very similar rising column may also be produced from high temperature pyrolysis of certain organic substrates. 


Is there a name exclusive to the type of reaction that produces a rising column? 




In pyrotechnic chemistry, they might call it a pharoh's snake (or serpent) reaction. To a degree, (or rather 330 °C) pyrolysis of the sugar is occurring (starting at 170 °C). 


In cooking, they would call it [caramelization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramelization), although the term is also applicable in general chemistry. Less specifically, you can call it a "browning reaction"... note- caramelization (non-enzymatic) should not be confused with a [Maillard reaction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction) (enzymatic). More specifically, you could call it dehydration or decomposition of sugar with sulfuric acid. Somewhere in-between you might find the term [carbonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonization).


You may also find the terms [carbon soufflé](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCex0EVnvu0) and [carbon foam](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008622315001098) interesting.


 5

Concentrated sulfuric acid [dehydrates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration_reaction) almost any hydroxyl containing organic molecule. This is the specific type of reaction that is occurring.


The reason the carbon-column forms is the intense heat that is released from the reaction. The water vaporizes and rises, carrying the carbon with it. 


 1