Category: Science

Awesome Chemistry: Volcano Squid

Burning NH4Cr2O7 with HgSCN. Nicknamed “lucifer’s squid” this experiment is actually two reactions taking place:

  1. the decomposition of ammonium dichromate which results in the jet black volcano.
  2. The second is the combustion of mercury (II) thiocyanate, which causes the enormous “tentacles” to appear from within the mound.

By the sound of the kids in the background, the video appears to have been made in Slavic language country. It’s funny to hear them exclaim the word “Kraken” when the tentacle-like structures erupt (Dr Seuss mentions a Kraken in “Oh the Places You’ll Go”).

Original reference Huffington Post UK (minus the dramatic verbiage).