![]() ![]() The amount of energy released upon detonating NI 3 exceeds that required to form the compound, which is the definition of a high yield explosive.The outside electrons of the iodine atoms are forced into close proximity, which increases the instability of the molecule. The bonds between the nuclei are under stress and therefore weakened. There is not enough room around the central nitrogen to keep the iodine atoms stable. How it works: NI 3 is highly unstable because of the size difference between the nitrogen and iodine atoms.NI 3 in the ammonia is very stable and can be transported, if the demonstration is to be performed at a remote location.Iodine is a respiratory and eye irritant the decomposition reaction is loud. The stain can be removed using a sodium thiosulfate solution. Iodine will stain clothing and surfaces purple or orange. Wet NI 3 is more stable than the dry compound, but still should be handled with care. Experimentation confirmed it right away and after washing the fine precipitate with NH3 solution and a few times with water conversion to the HCl salt proved. Caution: This demonstration should only be performed by an instructor, using proper safety precautions.LAGUNA DESIGN / Getty Images Tips and Safety The nitrogen triiodide molecule is not very stable. In its simplest form, the demonstration is performed by pouring the damp solid onto a paper towel in a fume hood, letting it dry, and activating it with a meter stick.The decomposition occurs according to this reaction: A meter stick is a good choice (don't use anything shorter). To activate the decomposition, tickle the dry NI 3 solid with a feather attached to a long stick.The decomposition is touch-sensitive and will be activated by the slightest vibration. The demonstration location should be free of traffic and vibrations. For optimal safety, set up the ring stand with filter paper and pour the reacted solution over the paper where the demonstration is to occur.The force of the decomposition reaction on one paper will cause decomposition to occur on the other paper as well. Traditionally, the demonstration uses a ring stand on which a wet filter paper with NI 3 is placed with a second filter paper of damp NI 3 sitting above the first. Ni(NH3)62+, which give a blue color to mother liquor, due to ammonia. You want to avoid handling the NI 3 at all, so my recommendation would be to set up the demonstration in advance of pouring off the ammonia. In ammonia medium, mixed nickel-aluminum hydroxide precipitates as a light blue.The reaction for producing the nitrogen triiodide from iodine and ammonia is:.However, if you grind the pre-weighed iodine with a mortar/pestle beforehand a larger surface area will be available for the iodine to react with the ammonia, giving a significantly larger yield. One method is to simply pour up to a gram of iodine crystals into a a small volume of concentrated aqueous ammonia, allow the contents to sit for 5 minutes, then pour the liquid over a filter paper to collect the NI 3, which will be a dark brown/black solid. The first step is to prepare the NI 3.How to Perform the Nitrogen Triiodide Demo ![]()
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