If you don’t have enough ammonium nitrate from the first cold pack, purchase a second one as needed. You can find cold packs containing ammonium nitrate from most pharmacy or health stores. You can also buy pure ammonium nitrate online or from laboratory supply stores.
If you don’t have any scissors nearby, you can use a sharp knife instead.
Pour slowly to prevent the solution from splashing up and causing accidental skin irritation. Continue stirring until the ammonium nitrate dissolves completely into the hot water.
When you’ve finished pouring, discard the coffee filter immediately to prevent it from contaminating the purified solution.
You can buy dry potassium hydroxide from many hardware or chemical supply stores.
The potassium hydroxide should have a thick, smooth texture, like a soup or pudding.
If you’re working in a laboratory, you can also combine the chemicals underneath a fume hood.
Keep the gas mask on while boiling the solution, as it will still release toxic ammonium gas. Do not reuse the pot for cooking after preparing ammonium nitrate with it.
Always wear a gas mask while handling liquified ammonium nitrate, and keep other people or animals (especially children and pets) away from the solution while it evaporates. After the ammonium nitrate has evaporated into solid crystals, it will stop releasing ammonium gas.
Handle the potassium nitrate and lighter with care and in a controlled area to prevent injuries.
