B03 Nitrogen Triiodide Decomposition

Description
Nitrogen triiodide is dried on three pieces of filter paper. When one is touched by a feather, all three explode.

Equation
8 NH₃NI₃--> 5 N₂+ 6 NH₄I + 9 I₂

Reference
B. Z. Shakhashiri, "Chemical Demonstrations", Vol. 1, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison ,Wisconsin, (1983) p.97.