Yellow powder is a old mixture previously used in firearms but now replaced by gun powder. When all three chemicals are properly combined yellow powder can detonate and produce and very loud boom when light by a match, so it can be reguarded as a primary explosive. Unlike most primary explosives which are very friction and shock sensitive, yellow powder cannot be set off by hitting with a hammer.

ADVANTAGES:
Very unsensitive primary explosive
Makes a very loud bang!

DISADVANTAGES:
Very Hydroscopic (even more than ammonium nitrate)

CHEMICALS:
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3)
Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3) or Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)
Sulfur (S)

MATERIALS:
Small metal pan
Heat source (Oven or gas cooker)

METHOD:

1. Mix 4g of potassium carbonate with 2g sulphur in small metal pan. Make sure chemicals are finely ground.

2. Heat untill mixture melts. (Sulphur melts first, then reacts with the potassium carbonate to form a polysulphide, which then melts). Do not let the mixture go over 200C. Take of heat.

3. While the mixture is cooling, stir so that it solidfyies into small lumps.

4. Add small lumps and 6g of potassium nitrate into the ball mill and mill for at least two hours and then take the yellow powder out. Store in a sealed container because it is very hydroscopic. Makes 12g.

5. Yellow powder will not be accidently set off, its is shock and friction resistant. Light with a fuse and get away, it makes a big bang which could pop your ear drum.

NOTE: Another method of producing yellow powder is too melt all three ingrediants at once and then cool. However, this is not safe because yellow powder is very sensitive when molten, and so adding the oxidiser to the liquid is asking for trouble. However this method produces a more homologus mixture (increases VoD and bristance), so once you become familiar with this compound you could try it.