On Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:18:54 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

On Oct 18, 5:48*pm, Adrian C wrote:
Paul_P wrote:
Now if it is that sensitive how would one ever get it on the paper on to
the stand in the first place?

When it was wet.

--
Adrian C

When it's wet, the water allows the ammonia molecules to cradle the
iodine molecules so they don't get close enough to react. When it
dries out, or if the ammonia is allowed to escape over time, it
becomes shock sensitive. At least that's what I remember from
chemistry class.

There is no ammonia in the reaction product, just NI3 (precipitate).