July 15, 2005

scientists comment on explosives used in 7th July London bombings

These comments follow the news that the 7th July attackers may have used explosives made from household chemicals.

Dr Marina Murphy, News Editor, Chemistry & Industry magazine, said:

“The ingredients used to make acetone peroxide: hydrogen peroxide, acetone and sulphuric acid, are very common chemicals and easily accessible in quite large quantities to anyone working in a chemistry lab. They can also be found in products found on the high street, but getting large quantities that way might be more difficult. It’s not surprising that it was used, because it is so easy to make and you can do it at home. All you need is some ice and a fridge to keep you reaction mixture cool and to store the final product. What’s worrying is that there are numerous other explosive compounds that are as easily made.”

Dr Andrea Sella, Lecturer in Chemistry, University College London, said:

“I’m a bit surprised by the fact that the media have talked about the specific explosive so extensively. This compound has been known since the late 19th century and its flammability and explosive properties are well-documented. My concern is not about terrorists making/using it – the information has long been out there. What concerns me more is that now every budding chemist in the country who wants to make “bangs” now has a specific name of to look up. And as it can be made from fairly common ingredients, it would not surprise me if we see a few lost fingers or eyes as a result of kids fooling around trying to make it.”