“Even Streng had to give up on some of the planned experiments, though (bonus dormitat Strengus?). Sulfur compounds defeated him, because the thermodynamics were just too titanic. Hydrogen sulfide, for example, reacts with four molecules of FOOF to give sulfur hexafluoride, 2 molecules of HF and four oxygens. . .and 433 kcal, which is the kind of every-man-for-himself exotherm that you want to avoid at all cost. The sulfur chemistry of FOOF remains unexplored, so if you feel like whipping up a batch of Satan’s kimchi, go right ahead.”
Though I managed in chemistry, I understand that kcal is just an expression of energy and the reaction’s event total time is important in judging ‘violence’ of reaction - but for the uninitiated like myself, how do I quantify “433 kcal” compared to a more mundane reaction?
You know the typical explosion of Hydrogen and Oxygen. Four times that. And most Hydrogen and Oxygen explosion aren’t even properly mixed. So even more than that.
The thing had an asbestos liner, and that’s the least concerning thing about it. Oh, and they also used lithium in the mix to make a controlled metal fire. So they combined a very reactive group one metal with very reactive fluorine, and this is fine.
If you enjoy that series, and it has me in fits of laughter every time I read it, may I also recommend a book called Ignition! An informal history of liquid rocket propellants. It has a similar sense of awed, horrified, fascination with the goings on in the world of chemistry.
I can’t imagine the rollercoaster it must have been trying to devise new fuel formulations. Have we finally hit on the one, or will this one underperform, or take the roof of the lab (again).
Super interesting compound. I wish somehow I could watch footage of strengs experiments. I bet some of those explosions would be really cool in slow mo lol
The video won’t show for me. Oh well. The dioxygen difluoride article was a hell of a read. I liked how free fluoride radicals are described as “free of their gentle and forgiving nature”.
Super cool. I can’t imagine having to explain what happened to the lab manager after burning through the lab floor and a few feet of gravel and sand below lol
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“Even Streng had to give up on some of the planned experiments, though (bonus dormitat Strengus?). Sulfur compounds defeated him, because the thermodynamics were just too titanic. Hydrogen sulfide, for example, reacts with four molecules of FOOF to give sulfur hexafluoride, 2 molecules of HF and four oxygens. . .and 433 kcal, which is the kind of every-man-for-himself exotherm that you want to avoid at all cost. The sulfur chemistry of FOOF remains unexplored, so if you feel like whipping up a batch of Satan’s kimchi, go right ahead.”
Holy shit I’m dying.
Though I managed in chemistry, I understand that kcal is just an expression of energy and the reaction’s event total time is important in judging ‘violence’ of reaction - but for the uninitiated like myself, how do I quantify “433 kcal” compared to a more mundane reaction?
You know the typical explosion of Hydrogen and Oxygen. Four times that. And most Hydrogen and Oxygen explosion aren’t even properly mixed. So even more than that.
Oh my
There’s also this rocket with fluorine in the fuel: https://youtu.be/KX-0Xw6kkrc
The thing had an asbestos liner, and that’s the least concerning thing about it. Oh, and they also used lithium in the mix to make a controlled metal fire. So they combined a very reactive group one metal with very reactive fluorine, and this is fine.
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If you enjoy that series, and it has me in fits of laughter every time I read it, may I also recommend a book called Ignition! An informal history of liquid rocket propellants. It has a similar sense of awed, horrified, fascination with the goings on in the world of chemistry.
You know, the fact that I clicked that link in a heartbeat makes me wonder just how many lists I’m on.
Oh, many, many lists. All the interesting people are. :)
Brilliant book.
I like the bit about how proud the author was to develop a purple liquid rocket fuel, but then discover it wasn’t useful :(
I can’t imagine the rollercoaster it must have been trying to devise new fuel formulations. Have we finally hit on the one, or will this one underperform, or take the roof of the lab (again).
Super interesting compound. I wish somehow I could watch footage of strengs experiments. I bet some of those explosions would be really cool in slow mo lol
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The video won’t show for me. Oh well. The dioxygen difluoride article was a hell of a read. I liked how free fluoride radicals are described as “free of their gentle and forgiving nature”.
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Super cool. I can’t imagine having to explain what happened to the lab manager after burning through the lab floor and a few feet of gravel and sand below lol
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You should watch better channels probably
Wtf!
I love that blog!