Nitrogen triiodide - a sensitive, contact explosive

By Adrian Guy2010-05-01T00:00:00

Create a beautiful cloud of vapour mixed and gas with this safe contact explosive demonstration

Contact explosives are rarely encountered in the classroom, owing to their unstable nature and the associated danger of detonation. However, using the following method, a small quantity of dry NI₃(s) crystals can be used to produce an impressive 'crack' and a beautiful cloud of purple iodine vapour mixed with nitrogen gas. Quantities must be kept small so that the demonstration is safe. Do not be tempted to deviate from the method.

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