Animated video: 37 principles of chemical reactions and their dangers – Decomposition of mercuric thiocyanate (“Pharaoh’s snake”)
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Principle: Mercuric thiocyanate decomposes when heated, and some of the products burn. 2Hg(SCN)2 → 2HgS + CS2 + C3N4CS2 + 3O2 → CO2 + 2SO2
2C3N4 → 3(CN)2 + N2
Fun fact: Mercury thiocyanate was synthesized by Germans in 1821, and not long after, its unusual burning properties were discovered. It was sold in Germany as a firework for a long time, but was eventually banned due to several incidents of children getting poisoned from ingesting it. Recorder: ChemToddler. Hazard: High. Mercury compounds are toxic, and the mercury sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and cyanogen produced by reactions are also toxic. Do not attempt this on your own without a fume hood and professional guidance!
It’s interesting; thanks for sharing!