Fake Blood Chemical Reaction

For this reaction, you need a water-soluble iron(III)

compound and potassium thiocyanate. If desired,
use sodium fluoride to instantly decolorize the fake
blood.
 iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) or iron(III) nitrate
[Fe(NO3)3]
 potassium thiocyanate (KSCN)
 water
 sodium fluoride (NaF) – optional
Water into Blood Colour Change Chemistry
Demonstration
The usual “water into wine” or “water into blood” chemistry demonstration
uses a pH indicator. But, the fake blood chemical reaction works great, too.

1. Pour the potassium thiocyanate solution into a clear container.

2. Instantly turn the liquid blood red by adding the iron(III) solution.
3. If desired, clear the solution with sodium fluoride.

Invisible Ink and Bloody Messages

The potassium thiocyanate solution is a type of invisible ink. The iron(III)
solution reveals messages that appear written in blood.

1. Write a message using the potassium thiocyanate solution as ink.

2. Dampen a cotton ball or dip a paintbrush into the iron(III) solution
and swipe across the message to reveal it.

Alternatively, write a message in fake blood:

1. Coat paper using the potassium thiocyanate solution and let it dry.
2. Write a message using the iron(III) solution.
Blood Knife Chemistry Trick
In the bloody knife chemistry trick, a butter knife (or even a spoon) coated
with the iron chloride solution leaves a bloody trail across skin or another
surface pre-treated with the potassium thiocyanate solution.

1. Dampen a paintbrush or cotton ball with the potassium

thiocyanate solution and paint over the affected area.
2. Dip the dull edge of knife, axe, scythe (etc.) in the iron chloride
solution.
3. Drawing the damp edge of the treated dull blade appears to cause
a bloody injury.

As you might guess, this demonstration isn’t for the squeamish and may be
inappropriate in a classroom setting. However, you see it all the time in
television and movies when a character appears to cut their hand to make
some unholy pact or uses a weapon for inflicting close-up harm to another
character. It’s also popular for Halloween haunted houses. Now you know
how it’s done!
Safety Info: The chemicals do irritate skin, so immediately rinse the affected
area with water. Avoid long contact with the chemicals and don’t apply
them near the eyes, nose, or mouth.