don@allegra.UUCP (Don Mitchell) (03/12/85)
I started to type in a detailed account of how to make pure NI3. Its tricky, but I think getting crystals coated with the stuff is good enough for college pranks. Instead, let me point out a few things about NI3.NH3. This chemical comes close to being the most powerful explosive that is theoretically possible. Atomic nitrogen would probably be tops, but it is too unstable to exist at normal temperatures (the N2 triple bond is very energetic). NI3.NH3 comes close to this because the NI bond is very weak. Don't try to make any related substances. NCl3, a yellow oily liquid, is explosive immediately on formation (not safe while wet). Sounds or bright light will set it off. Finally, I would like to point out that the chemist who discovered NI3.NH3 lost several fingers trying to measure its properties. A teaspoon of this stuff would reduce your hand to a fine red mist. I kid you not!
gnome@oliveb.UUCP (Gary Traveis) (03/16/85)
>... This chemical > comes close to being the most powerful explosive that is theoretically > possible. Atomic nitrogen would probably be tops, but it is too > unstable to exist at normal temperatures (the N2 triple bond is very > energetic). NI3.NH3 comes close to this because the NI bond is very > weak. > There must be a way of stablizing the crystals! I remember a sub-firework that consisted of little twisted-up pieces of paper that SNAPped when thrown on the ground. The crystals in these little things look a lot like a greyish version of iodine chunks. If it normally can go off by itself, it probably isn't a very saleable product -- maybe the crystals are only partially treated? ? Gary (hplabs, ihnp4, allegra)oliveb!olivee!gnome
hsu@cvl.UUCP (Dave Hsu) (03/21/85)
> > There must be a way of stablizing the crystals! I remember a sub-firework > that consisted of little twisted-up pieces of paper that SNAPped when > thrown on the ground. The crystals in these little things look a lot > like a greyish version of iodine chunks. If it normally can go off by > itself, it probably isn't a very saleable product -- maybe the crystals > are only partially treated? > > Gary Well, yes and no. The items you refer to are commonly sold as "Whippersnappers", and are triggered by a small amount of fulminate in each packet. The greyish stuff is in fact, only gravel, used to add heft and provide something for the chemicals to bond to. -dave