At the heart of the Pharaoh’s Snake is a chemical called mercury(II) thiocyanate. When heated, mercury(II) thiocyanate undergoes thermal decomposition, breaking down into simpler substances and ...

An curved arrow pointing right. The "Pharaoh's Serpent ” is produced when the chemical compound, Mercury(II) thiocyanate is ignited. But don't try this at home. The materials are highly toxic.