Nitrogen triiodide - a sensitive, contact explosive
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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