[danieltillett]

Derek’s blog is one of the best blog’s I have read. If you want to learn about the pharmaceutical industry and how the process of drug discovery really works (or doesn’t work) then I recommend it highly.

On topic I wouldn’t want to work with peroxide peroxides either :) Derek often has write up about what some of the really crazy organic chemists who work on unstable compounds do - truly eye opening for someone with a biology background like me.

[dsl]

My favorite is Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane...

"There's a recent report of a method to make a more stable form of it, by mixing it with TNT. Yes, this is an example of something that becomes less explosive as a one-to-one cocrystal with TNT."

http://pipeline.corante.com/archives/2011/11/11/things_i_won...

[jameskilton]

Agreed. My favorite is still any post discussing Flouride bonds, particularly FOOF

http://pipeline.corante.com/archives/2010/02/23/things_i_won...

[ridgeguy]

Fluorine can be so dramatic.

I witnessed a test of a small (500 lb thrust) H2/F2 rocket engine. The fuel & oxidizer were fed into the combustion chamber with small turbo pumps, which was the point of the test. The native fluoride protective coating failed in the F2 turbo pump, and there was an explosion with subsequent metal/fluorine fire.

Blockhouse sealed off and we all grabbed the Scott packs as a yellowish cloud of fluorine drifted by, setting fire to sagebrush as it went. Can't beat exotic propellants for excitement.

[Robin_Message]

I'm intrigued: what's a Scott pack? Is is just breathing apparatus? But since the gas cloud is setting organic matter on fire surely you'd need more than that?

Or is it just a good pair of running shoes?

[technofiend]

Scott makes a variety of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) devices. Mostly you see them used by fire-fighters, but Scott offers chemical industry and oil and gas variants. Check out their SCBA offerings here: https://www.scottsafety.com/en/us/Pages/ProductSeries.aspx?P...

I'm with you on needing more than that: anecdotally I was once advised to use an air filter plus nose clip in case of any accidental releases. I asked "Uh, like what?" "Oh, ammonia, that sort of thing." Needless to say if ammonia was released and it got to me I'd be blind anyway. :shrug: So based on entirely anecdotal experience I'd say yeah it's to hopefully help you run away. :-)

[petemc_]

I've been told that some criminals like to keep ammonia in a squeeze bottle (like a jif lemon container) to be used as a weapon if necessary. Also handy that they can use it to clean their cocaine as well.

[danieltillett]

Yes you have to love working with something that can set sand on fire!

[IgorPartola]

I wonder if anyone ever did order 1 kg of the stuff.