High-speed footage of nitrogen triiodide detonating at the touch of a feather. Nitrogen triiodide (NI3) is an extremely sensitive contact explosive. Its sensitivity is due to the immense strain in the molecule, in which three large iodine atoms are bound to a small nitrogen. The slightest touch can cause the breakdown of the NI3 molecules, leading to the production of nitrogen gas and a cloud of iodine vapour. Filmed at 2000 frames per second (slowed down 80 times). This clip features the chemical equation. For a version without this text, see clip K003 9285.