Phosphorus Explosion
Action: A vigorous explosion at the beginning of a chemical magic show puts the audience in the right mood for a series of mystery experiments. The explosion occurs back of the demonstration desk.
You Need:
Five-grain potassium chlorate tablet
iron rod
two grams yellow phosphorus
10 ml. carbon disulfide
ring stand base.
Why: Rapid oxidation of phosphorus in the presence of an oxidizing agent (chlorate) occurs with explosive violence.
How: Previous to the performance of the experiment you place a few drops of a solution of yellow phosphorus in carbon disulfide on a five-grain tablet of potassium chlorate which is resting on the base of a ring stand. In fifteen minutes the solvent will have evaporated and the tablet is ready to be exploded. Touched with a metal rod from a ring stand, the explosion is violent.
CAUTION: Cut yellow phosphorus under water. Handle with large forceps. On dissolving the phosphorus in carbon disulfide you have a very dangerous solution since a drop of this material is highly combustible. You may keep it in a small dropper bottle, which is kept inside of a larger glass-stoppered wide-mouthed bottle.
This experiment must be performed only by someone fully aware of the dangers in handling phosphorus or the solution.
Potassium chlorate tablets can be purchased from a chemical distributor. Do not bring the hands or feet near the tablet when it is ready to explode. Under no condition allow the solution to come in contact with the skin or any flammable material.