Thermochemistry- Explosive Decomposition of Nitrogen Triiodide

Explosive Decomposition of Nitrogen Triiodide

Description: When the brown, solid nitrogen triiodide is touched with a feather mounted on a long pole, a loud explosion and puff of violet smoke occur.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers

Year: 1989 Vol: 1 Page: 96

Keywords: Nitrogen triiodide, Explosion, Solid, Smoke, Feather

Rating:

Hazard: High

• Explosion hazard
• Acute toxicity hazard – inhalation, dermal, oral
• Shock sensitive
• Corrosive to metals
• Serious eye damage
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Acute aquatic toxicity
• Specific organ toxicity – oral, thyroid, respiratory system

Effectiveness:  Excellent

• Good connection from demo to course material
• Spectacular effects are seen by audience
• Time to results is low
• Good reliability
• Clearly observable without guidance

Difficulty: Medium

• Shock sensitive
• Careful or precise manipulations
• Gas producing reactions
• Prior training required
• Simple procedures

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Hearing protection required
• Perform in a well-ventilated area
• Use of shielding required
• Handle with extreme caution
• Avoid contact with or inhalation of vapors
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class:  Entropy and Free Energy, Groups IVB and VB (14 and 15), Thermodynamics

Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry

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