8, Smelly chemistry

Homemade stink bomb

Homemade stink bomb (Adult supervision is recommended.)

Ingredients

• About 20 matches
• Household ammonia (safety needed with ammonia - use eye protection)
• Empty potion jar with lid (or small spice bottle with lid)
• Fresh air - do this experiment somewhere well ventilated (i.e. with lots of fresh air).
• No flame please. The vapour is flammable.

Make the Stink Bomb

Use scissors or a knife to carefully cut the heads off of the matches. Place the match heads inside the empty jar. Add about 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Seal the jar and swirl the contents around.

Now Wait 3-4 days before uncapping the bottle.

After this time your stink bomb will be ready to be opened.

Remember, store the jar somewhere outside and well ventilated.

Uncap the bottle when you're ready to release the stink.

Stink Bomb Facts and Safety

This stink bomb forms ammonium sulphide, (NH4)2S, which is the same chemical used in commercial prank or trick stink bombs. The ammonium sulphide is produced as a result of a reaction between hydrogen sulphide and ammonia:

H2S + 2 NH3 → (NH4)2S

WARNING! The vapour is flammable and associated with hydrogen sulphide gas (rotten egg smell that is toxic in high concentrations), so only make/use the stink bomb in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside), away from heat and flames.

Adult supervision is recommended and hold your nose!