How Azides Really Decompose

[@syntactyx]

Unreal. I'm a professional chemist and you consistently feature reactions and/or reagents I have never even conceived of exhibiting in such spectacular fashion. You are amazing, Feliks! Experiencing your cinematographic contributions is like "watching" primary literature the quality is so high... but about 10x more exciting!!

[@robotnikkkk001]

=YOU'RE DEALING WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT TO,WHILE THIS GUY DEALS WITH WHAT *_HE_* WANTS TO ..........PRETTY MUCH A DIFFERENCE,ISNT THAT.........BUT YOU MAY BE GETTING PAID FOR DOING ALMOST NOTHING,WHILE THE GUY ALWAYS NEEDS TO PLAY WITH FIRE.......RISKING HIS LIFE,KIND OF........SO YOU'RE IN FAVOR,THOUGH

[@Freeezshocker]

@@robotnikkkk001 You do realize if you comment in all caps you're basically shouting at the other comment author...

[@NicholasA231]

It is frequently my thought as well that he seems to be creating definitive visual references of these reactions, and that it *must* be valuable for the scientific record to have such a thing. He should, or someone should help him, create some kind of self-contained compendium or resource.

[@alanbanh]

@@Freeezshocker Love shouting

[@syntactyx]

@@NicholasA231 I would say that the Chemical Force KZbin channel is the self-contained compendium you wish to see! I know this is not what you mean, but the unfortunate reality is that there are simply too many possible combinations of reagents/conditions to compile a single compendium of sorts that would be of any real use, as it costs too much in time and resources to capture such high-quality footage of a practically infinite number of possible "record-worthy" chemical interactions for such a thing to exist, apart from what we have now - the internet, and people choosing to publish footage of noteworthy (or not) reactions because of a whole litany of possible reasons. quite frankly, if you're recording something as brilliant as what Feliks does, you deserve the individual credit, but also have yourself the knowledge that indeed this *is* a primary source, and the reactions themselves are "irrefutable" assuming all necessary control measures and good-faith practices are adhered to. Science is exciting because it's limitless. Even if you're not the first person to perform a given reaction, you may be the first person to have contributed a lasting documentation of a given interaction just by uploading a short video, and that is legitimate contribution! Last thing I'll add is that there is one more modern technique that gets closer to what you're looking for, but again it's just a tool, not perfection - computational chemistry. this is a technique by which chemical systems can be computationally modeled and (by virtue of the utter madness that is blending physical chemistry and a to. of f*cking computer shit) reasonable predictions can be made to determine which set of conditions might be worth "actually doing" because they seem to be physically possible... but, despite all that, at the end of the day you can write whatever you want in a paper drawing whichever conclusions you think fits the data, but the ultimate and infallible *truth* is the kind of stuff you see here: what actually happens. Feliks could make small errors here and there over many videos, and probably does, but that's only in mechanistic hypotheses or other very very nit-picky mumbo jumbo. what happens *happens*, whether or not we can explain it is up to us, but it certainly helps to have people like Feliks post proof of a given interaction or hypothesis.

[@That_Chemist]

This is really cool to see

[@DipanGhosh]

Fancy meeting you here, but expected. This is one of the best Chemistry demo channel after all.

[@niklas_science]

I really have to say, your channel is amazing in general but by far the best thing about your channel is the fact that you show us reaction you probably wouldn’t see at another place; So really, keep going on making such great content!

[@piranha031091]

I like your profile pic...

[@ChemicalForce]

@@piranha031091 haha😀

[@alllove1754]

That Potassium one was just beautiful in slow-mo. Thank you for putting these out here like that, I haven't taken the time to just say how much I appreciate your videos as you are the only one who seems to see the beauty of the reactions in slow motion like that.

[@Bananakid11]

You are really making art out of chemical reactions. thank you very much!

[@ChristianMiersch]

6:35 The potassium vapor is really my highlight not only of this video but of the last months. And, you avoid guessing games - like the perfect teacher, you leave no doubt to the audience as to what we are just seeing. Add that to the photography, this is the way to go! Nowhere else will we ever see these reactions, especially not with the explanations provided.

[@albertodeangelis9291]

Thank you for your chemical performance!! I am doctor in Industrial Chemistry but I’ve never seen azides before even though I have studied their chemical properties.😊

[@herrhaber9076]

With Chemical Force you get to see reactions you didnt even *dare* to think about :)

[@AJ-qv9yo]

Chemistry meets art. Always exciting to see beautiful and mesmerizing shots of exotic reactions. Nice music themes add to the experience. Can't even say which scenes/reactions are my favorites. They all are.

[@Muonium1]

Hey! Thallium and I were right at guessing alkali vapors on that image you posted a few days ago! Absolutely incredible video of the KN3 decomposition turning into literal boiling metal. I had no idea the azides decomposed like this. I just assumed they detonated because I know they were used as airbag inflators. So few people have ever seen the beautiful rich colors of the alkali metal vapors, let alone understand their origin. The color is of course originating from the same mechanism that gives the halogens their colors - vibronic coupling. The K and Na vapors don't exist as monoatomic gasses, they're diatomic K2 and Na2 MOLECULES, just like oxygen and bromine. The vibrational modes of the molecules are coupling to the electronic transitions, giving rise to wide bands of absorption lines in the visible spectrum. I wonder if these gasses fluoresce, like iodine vapor does with a green laser beam...

[@ChemicalForce]

Hey! Yes, I didn't think anyone would guess and expected comments about copper and vanadium 😃 Well done! 😎

[@madkem1]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@christopherleubner6633]

It is interesting that the sodium mercury vapor mix in a HPS sodium vapor arc tube is blue while still hot enough to be vapor but yet cool enough to not be glowing from the heat. The blue color is from solvated electrons from the sodium into the mercury vapor/argon gas fill 🤓

[@Muonium1]

@@christopherleubner6633 I've seen this effect too. Nothing to do with solvated electrons though, the phenomenon appears just as readily without any mercury present. It's just molecular band absorption. See the Phil Mason video from a few years ago on purple sodium vapor where the sintered alumina tube is filled with pure Na. Also, I answered my own question, it does fluoresce. You can see it in a video called "Sodium fluorescence 1080p".

[@keithjurena9319]

Airbag gas generators do not explode, this is a rapid deflagration. Incorrectly compounded gas generator grains have decomposed to become high explosive. This turns the generator into shrapnel.

[@iamsaisai]

The reaction and the slow motion is super impressive to watch ❤️

[@eduardoGentile720]

7:59 YOU ARE OFFICIALLY INSANE, seariously hydrazoic acid is SCARY to say the least, you're awesome

[@Samonie67]

A great video as always love the chemicals you keep showing especially when they expand on previous older videos

[@MCPicoli]

Simple chemistry, amazing photography!

[@alberteinstein3078]

Utterly fascinating!

[@mikaljan]

these slow motion footages of reactions are so amazingly presented, this is definitely my favorite chemistry channel！

[@EdwardTriesToScience]

azides are such interesting compounds and I doubt its a coincidence you made this video at this time of year XD keep up the great work! theres so many things people never thought they'd want to see and you show them it, youre always doing interesting stuff

[@dwaynezilla]

The pause to show the mouse is truly the icing on this cake

[@pgn-300]

worked with azides for a while and it's fascinating how all this time I never had the opportunity to respect what beauty azides can create, some of the most spectacular representations of a mosh pit of electrons looking for something to call groundstate

[@erikisberg3886]

Beautiful video, I found this very interesting, never seen those vapour effects before. Just as a note, pure hydrazoic acid vapour tends to go bang, it should be diluted with inert gas... We did some work many years ago with that stuff. It was generated by a mix of stearic acid and NaN3 and a stream of argon. The gas evolution stops when the mix cools and it can be used several times. Easily disposed of by burning.

[@poppedweasel]

Sir Humphrey Davey and Michael Farraday are nodding with approval at your chemistry showmanship.

[@rutherford2580]

I have never seen something like gaseous potassium. It is truly a beauty to a chemists eye! It shows beautifully the absorbtion of potssium in the vbisible spectrum giving its vapor a green tint. I am lucky to get to see this. Thank you very much.

[@MachineNeil]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. Congratulations and thank you for sharing such interesting material with us, ChemicalForce.

[@pertechnetyl]

I always learn something new from your videos, and so is true for this video. Had no idea of this turquoise colour of K vapours. Great stuff!!!

[@Nobe_Oddy]

MIND BLOWINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@mikebrown1970]

The decomposition of KN3 is definitely the most mindblowing reaction I've ever seen. Please keep doing this.

[@piranha031091]

You never cease to amaze!

[@6alecapristrudel]

Molten KN3 turning into boiling potassium is just leaving me speechless

[@Skyvoltrix]

wow the reactions are beautiful. you inspire me to explore chemistry.

[@mahdiahmadi80]

It was very cool and interesting 😎 , I really like this kinds of experiments with this colorfull fumes and vapors. Thanks 🙏🙏

[@badtrip801]

these are some of the best reactions I've seen on KZbin 😳

[@absurdengineering]

These videos have become pure art. Beautiful, on point, no nonsense. They make me learn stuff while watching amazing cinematography. You’re awesome, Feliks! Thank you for sharing your art, dedication and knowledge with us!

[@DancingRain]

This is one of your most aesthetically pleasing videos yet!

[@aaandis]

Absolutely mesmerising! ! actually reserve a time when I can be uninterrupted watching your videos. A time well invested. Thank you!

[@gammasignature4795]

That was Very interesting experiments! Awaiting the ones with rubidium and caesium azides, RbN3 & CsN3.

[@nilamotk]

You have the best chemistry visuals on youtube. Good job 🍻

[@tracybowling1156]

Chemistry is so beautiful! And you make it so interesting Felicks!

[@xfxox]

Oh, yes! my favorite boiling potassium, an old friend

[@NebulonRanger]

Azide decomposition is a great demonstration of how much two nitrogen atoms want to be together.

[@nunyafunyuns]

These slow mos were fantastic, super cool looking reactions.

[@nunyabisnass1141]

Wow. Watching those large (ish) burning drops of ejected sodium spin and fling off more burning sodium mid air in slow mo, looks like some horrific sentient sci-fi weapon.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

Fantastic footage, very well done. I remember working with sodium aside many years ago. I was using it to make hydrazoic acid in situ for the synthesis of a steroid with an azide substitution. I never tried heating it up, though, so these reactions are something I had not seen before.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

*azide, not aside. Stupid autocorrect.

[@jimcoppa6946]

Awesome videos please keep them coming they're always interesting especially with dangerous chemicals

[@CED99]

Potassium vapours are so pretty

[@xfxox]

Best chem channel ever)

[@LiveSeruio]

These are absolutely beautiful

[@djjoni2]

Now thats quality footage. Well done.

[@thehyperscientist1961]

Beautiful chemical cinematography, Feliks! Btw, what's interesting is that you can actually see some purple tinge in the blue-green potassium (at 6:48). Is this the classical colour of potassium we norally see in flame tests?

[@tonybaker8971]

i studied chemistry in college but then went off into computer engineering - i was always attracted to courses like organic chemistry and such - now i kind of wish i had gone on in chemistry instead (more interesting than coding haha)

[@plasticraincoat1]

Absolutely beautiful and fantastic demonstration. I think that we saw a tiny amount of Nox (or tetra oxide )when we saw the small puff of dark brown gas come from the sodium Azide burning in air that contains oxygen. ❤

[@BiglyWeenis]

Crazy cool cinematography ends reactions, I hope you can keep it up. Always a treat to watch your vids.

[@LuisBorja1981]

Beautifully unexpected demonstrations. Congratulations

[@Hobbychemiefreak]

Stunning! Other alkali azides plz!

[@executive]

Gorgeous footage. Thank you.

[@evilotis01]

i like explosions as much as the next man, but that footage of the potassium azide decomposing was *incredible*. the way the elemental metal washed across the surface of the liquid and then was gone... wow

[@jimsvideos7201]

The potassium going off was _bananas._

[@deroberallmann9844]

Beautful shoots😍😍😍😍

[@bromisovalum8417]

Thank you Feliks, very cool!

[@michaelzumpano7318]

OMG! That was religious! Your eye is incredible! Subscribed!

[@WXUZT]

Remarkable ! Thank You for your input and time !

[@stevestarcke]

Thanks!

[@stevestarcke]

Best video ever. A view of chemistry that I have never seen!

[@ChemicalForce]

@@stevestarcke Thanks a lot for superthanks 😅 More unique chemistry ahead 😃

[@321tryagain]

Amazing seeing the potassium metal emerge in a wave of mirror shine.

[@oitthegroit1297]

I never knew that the vapors from sodium and potassium were colorful, that was very interesting to see! It's also quite interesting how potassium azide is much more stable to heating than sodium azide. Now I wonder, what would happen if molten potassium nitrate were mixed with molten potassium azide? What about with potassium chlorate? I bet the result would be spectacular (from far away)! Edit: fixed spelling errors. Edit 2: what is the name of the music you used in the video? I really love the peaceful piano music that plays during the qualitative test for azide ions.

[@robotnikkkk001]

....ANOTHER THING BOTHERING ME BY A LOT....ABOUT THESE ARE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM!!!....WHY NOT BURN .....ONLY THING THAT MAY TO COME AT MIND ABOUT THEY'RE RELATIVELY COOL SO RATHER OXIDIZE

[@eriknelson5617]

Gavin Luke - Chariots

[@oitthegroit1297]

@@eriknelson5617 Thank you.

[@velligis]

Wild! You got some great shots!

[@shukfahid]

I’ve said it 1 million times but best vids in ever

[@duncanfox7871]

This video was incredible, no doubt your bet yet!

[@jonmarquez128]

I remember in one episode were amateur youtuber chemist *Thiosoi* did experiment by opening an air bag. The air bag explode therefore burning into his gloved. Thus damaging his hand He claimed it was Sodium Azide which is highly dangerous but can save your life!

[@jonmarquez128]

This comment deserves more comments! As far I have high respects for the Russian Estonian chemist Maxim Bilovitskiy! Thanks for ChemicalForce I am sure you also have done good job! Educational and informative! Chemistry is not only dangerous but has inspired us to do many things!

[@JacobCanote]

A joy to see!

[@АнатолійЛівий]

Як завжди гарний контент. Зйомка теж дуже високий рівень

[@Newberntrains]

You just turned science into art i love it :)

[@leemadsen3821]

That's amazing capture of what looks like (ionized) plasma, to me. e.g. 589nm for Na...and, you can juuuust see it in the tube-experiment under Ar, 405nm (purple streaks) for K -- both obscured by the brown vapor of ? Perhaps M3N, as you say (with reddish brown reported for Na).

[@sigmamale4147]

Beautiful but so deadly

[@mandardeodhar400]

Wow, you are amazing. Great work.

[@BODYBUILDERS_AGAINST_FEMINISM]

The sodium was really cool!

[@jesscorbin5981]

Another invaluable video

[@stanleesiele6028]

My dad used to bring bottles of Mercury which we stole and took to school about four days straight not knowing what we were playing with. I also stole sodium in high school and stored it in my pocket... About three- four large chunks... For hours... I could feel the heat throughout the time. After a hot 3 hours only a small coat managed to form.

[@pubbiehive]

Very pretty reactions!

[@alberto211393]

Watching that first reaction in slow motion makes me wonder if it is actually a two step decomposition. That dark brown color resembles that of NOx all too well. Almost as if the first reaction freed two N2 atoms and then the second one allowed for the further oxidation of the remaining nitrogen atom and sodium. Can you imagine using high speed cameras to better perform mechanistic studies on reaction kinetics. Thank you for yet another wonderful video.

[@rogeradam7391]

Magical.

[@trexor67]

Like 8 years ago I opened a sodium azide container and a pair of grains fell on my hand, I removed only with a piece of paper but after 30 minutes I begin to felt a throbbing pain exactly in that point that lasted for 6 hours aprox. I commited the mistake to handle substances without gloves.

[@fademusic1980]

Looks like fucking magic, but its fairly simple chemistry. Well done

[@robotsupurgedenkacanorumce2229]

Things go boom are always good :D

[@jamiehughes5573]

Pretty cool reaction, like a little sodium volcano

[@romanregman1469]

Please make azido-azide-azide next.

[@stenzenneznets]

Keep it up! Amazing contents, thank you

[@danvanmuizenberg6650]

Extractions and ire must be stoked

[@Nagria2112]

this is one of the mobst beatutiful things in chemistry i ever saw

[@defeatSpace]

Woah, my favorites are the potassium azide demos.

[@alexsmit9554]

Up to this point, i thought alkali metal fumes were grey. Awesome!!

[@Turts_McGurts]

amazing video!!

[@madmattdigs9518]

When I was a teenager I broke into a water treatment plant and stole a bunch of chemicals. I had a big bottle of sodium azide, and I was playing with it for a couple days. I remember setting it on fire and watching it burn. But I had no idea what was actually happening. I was a bad kid… I’m lucky I survived those times.

[@ArchDudeify]

Just excellent thanks 👍

[@m0Ray79]

First thought after I saw the brown fumes was: there's some kind of reaction producing NO2. I was wrong though.

[@paranoiia8]

I love those angry flame balls

[@skyethebi]

If you think about it it does kind of make sense that KN3 is so much harder to ignite than NaN3. The first thing that an azide has to do to decompose is donate the extra electron in the N3 group back to the cation. Giving an electron back to sodium is one thing but potassium is much more electropositive so I’m not surprised that it takes a lot more effort to decompose KN3. It also explains why KN3 converts to K3N as an intermediate step. By converting to the nitride, it doesn’t have to give electrons back to the potassiums and then the potassium nitride itself can burn. This way the potassium will always be a cation throughout the whole process.

[@among-us-99999]

How do you even decontaminate a workspace after spilling azide everywhere? their high toxicity scares the crap out of me

[@GodlikeIridium]

All smoke and hot air xD And in the case of sodium, pretty basic xD Amazing footage!

[@experimental_chemistry]

Very nice, never guessed that the vapors would be K... I missed lead azide a little - too dangerous even for a professional? Or restricted? In the beginning of the video the subtitles unfortunately blocked the view...

[@joyboricua3721]

Fascinating

[@germanamineo2951]

Sei il migliore

[@МельникВладимир-я2ц]

Amazing video!!!