WHAT IS THAT… THING?!

There’s only one reason to learn about Chemistry. And that is so you can summon a demon straight from hell, like this:

GAAAAH WHAT IS THAT GET IT OFF THE SCREEN!!

This is called the Pharoah’s Serpent, and is the chemical decomposition of mercury(II) thiocyanate. Everything about this reaction is poisonous, so you can’t actually do this at home. However, there’s a safer experiment you can try at home with everyday ingredients.

Stuff you need

• a metal sheet or bowl
• alcohol or fuel oil, e.g. lighter fluid
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 4 tbsp powder sugar

Let’s Start

Mix 4 parts powdered sugar with 1 part baking soda. (I used 4 tsp sugar and 1 tsp baking soda.)
Pour the alcohol or other fuel into the mixture to wet it.
Light the mixture using a lighter or match.
Stare in wonder / recoil in disgust at that thing that’s coming out from your mixture.

Caution, warnings

• This has got FIRE in it.
• Get an adult to help out with your evil science experiment if you’re still a kid.
• Get a bucket of water / fire extinguisher ready in case of accidents.
• Try not to burn your face off.
• Try not to set fire to your house.