The Chemist Prankster - You Stink

Hey there! Vacation time hasn't been over yet, so another prank post is here for you. In this episode of the chemist prankster we're making a stink bomb! Come on, we all love them! I remember back in my school days when two of my classmates dropped a stink bomb in the classroom right after recess was over in order to avoid a test. The teacher got mad and made us stay in and of course sit the exam. Thankfully the classroom was big and the stench only drained the front seats next to the teacher's desk. I was lucky to sit 4 desks behind all that :P

(Image source: publicdomainpictures.net)

Ingredients 

• about 20 matches
• ammonia (for household use - NH3)
• an empty small plastic bottle (with the cap)

Steps

• Carefully cut off the "heads" of the matches.
• Put the "heads" inside the bottle.
• Add two tablespoons of ammonia.
• Close the bottle tight.
• Give the bottle a nice mix.
• Let it sit for 3-4 days.
• When you spot the unsuspicious victim, release the ruthless stench!

Cautions

The vapor from the reaction is flammable, so it's advisable to perform this joke in an open space or a well-ventilated indoor place. Also, keep away from any sources of fire and heat for your own safety.

This is supposed to be fun, we don't want anyone to get hurt.

And the science behind it:

The ingredients of the matches in combination with the ammonia produce ammonium sulfide, (NH4)2S:

H2S + 2 NH3 > (NH4)2S 

Hydrogen sulfide reacts with the ammonia and produce ammonium sulfide.

And a few "safer" stink bomb recipes:

(Image source:pixabay.com)

1) An alternative that does not involve the risk of burning is below:

Materials 

• eggs (fresh/hardboiled)
• heavy duty needle/pin

Steps

• Pin the eggshell with the needle (careful not to break it).
• Leave the egg in the sun to rot (if you want wrap it in foil).
• When you have found your victim, crush it in fron of them and...run!

And the science behind it:

There are two proteins in eggs, keratin and globulin, when they start to break down they release stinky sulfuric compounds. Keratin is rich in the amino acid cystein (rich in sulfur). And globulin in the egg decomposes to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which gives the characteristic rotten egg smell we all hate. 

Cautions

Hydrogen sulfide in high doses is toxic, therefore you should not directly inhale it.

This is supposed to be fun, we don't want anyone to get hurt.

2) A second harmless solution is:

Materials

• zip lock bag
• egg
• vinegar
• milk
• plastic cup/small mason jar/empty soda can (cut off the upper part)

Steps

• Crack the egg inside the cup (you can leave the shells in as well).
• Add one tablespoon of milk and one of vinegar (more vinegar will be needed if you leave the shells in the cup).
• Seal the cup in the bag and leave it to "cook" (the longer, the stinkier!).
• When you're ready remove the bag and hide the container in the room where the victim is. They won't know where it came from...

References

thoughtco.com-Homemade_stink_bomb
thoughtco.com-Easy_stink_bomb_recipes
wikihow.com-Stink_bombs
thedailymeal.com-Why_do_rotten_eggs_smell_like_sulfur

Thank you for stopping by and giving this post a read. I hope you enjoyed it! If you please, feel free to pay a visit to my blog and check out my short stories along with plenty of educational posts and of course my bizarre natural phenomena series. 

Special thanks and mentions go to:

Until my next post,
Steem on and keep smiling, people!