Chemistry of Breaking Bad: Episodes 2 and 3

💀Walter and Jesse attempt to dissolve a gangster's corpse in hydrofluoric acid.

🔬The chemistry portrayed in the show is not entirely accurate, as real HF wouldn't dissolve a tough gangster's body with the amount they used.

🛀They initially use a bathtub to dissolve the body, but this leads to disastrous results.

🚿They later clean up the mess using alkali and protective clothing, showing some realism in their approach to safety.

📝The important lesson is to always follow instructions, even in dangerous situations.

Is the chemistry depicted in Breaking Bad realistic?

—While the show takes some creative liberties, the chemistry is generally portrayed in a believable manner. However, some aspects, like the use of hydrofluoric acid, are exaggerated for dramatic effect.

Can hydrofluoric acid dissolve a human body?

—In reality, it would require a much larger amount of hydrofluoric acid to completely dissolve a human body. The use of hydrofluoric acid as a body-disposal method is more fiction than fact.

What are the dangers of working with hydrofluoric acid?

—Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and tissue damage. It can also release toxic fumes. Proper safety precautions, such as protective clothing and ventilation, are essential when handling this chemical.

Do chemists actually use hydrofluoric acid in their work?

—Yes, hydrofluoric acid has various legitimate uses in chemistry and industry. However, its handling requires specialized training and strict safety protocols to ensure the protection of researchers and the environment.

Are there other realistic methods to dissolve a body?

—While there have been cases of criminals using chemicals to dispose of bodies, it is not an efficient or foolproof method. Law enforcement agencies have developed advanced forensic techniques to detect traces of remains, making it difficult to entirely hide evidence.

00:04Walter and Jesse initially believed they had killed two gangsters using chemical techniques.

02:36Episode 2 and 3 focus on their attempts to dispose of the gangsters' bodies.

05:52Jesse tries to dissolve a gangster's corpse in hydrofluoric acid, but it doesn't go as planned.

07:32The use of hydrofluoric acid and the bath leads to disastrous consequences, including damage to the bathroom and ceilings.

09:47Walter and Jesse clean up the mess and take safety precautions to neutralize the acid and protect themselves.