Uploaded October 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A chemical Hydra appeared just in time for our Halloween party!
Equipment and reagents: 15g ammonium nitrate, 3g urotropine, 15g ammonium dichromate, porcelain cup, 1mL kerosene, wooden stick.
Combine 15g ammonium nitrate, 3g urotropine, and 15g ammonium dichromate in a porcelain cup. Add a few drops of kerosene and light with a wooden splint. A Hydra rises menacingly from the depths!
Ammonium dichromate intensifies combustion and breaks down along with urotropine and ammonium nitrate to release gases. The decomposition of ammonium dichromate yields nitrogen N₂, water vapor, and green chromium(III) oxide. The chromium(III) oxide makes the Hydra green. The large volume of gases, plus the solid oxidation products, are the secret to the mixture’s “hydra-like” behavior. You can find similar safe experiments in the “Chemistry of Monsters” set by MEL Chemistry!
Safety precautions: do not try this at home! Perform this experiment only under professional supervision.
A chemical Hydra appeared just in time for our Halloween party!
Equipment and reagents: 15g ammonium nitrate, 3g urotropine, 15g ammonium dichromate, porcelain cup, 1mL kerosene, wooden stick.
Combine 15g ammonium nitrate, 3g urotropine, and 15g ammonium dichromate in a porcelain cup. Add a few drops of kerosene and light with a wooden splint. A Hydra rises menacingly from the depths!
Ammonium dichromate intensifies combustion and breaks down along with urotropine and ammonium nitrate to release gases. The decomposition of ammonium dichromate yields nitrogen N₂, water vapor, and green chromium(III) oxide. The chromium(III) oxide makes the Hydra green. The large volume of gases, plus the solid oxidation products, are the secret to the mixture’s “hydra-like” behavior. You can find similar safe experiments in the “Chemistry of Monsters” set by MEL Chemistry!
Safety precautions: do not try this at home! Perform this experiment only under professional supervision.
