Explodes on contact with concentrated nitric acid, lead oxide. Ignites on contact with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, concentrated hydrochloric acid, arsenic, sulfur, selenium vapors. Ignites when warmed with carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide. Incandescent reaction when heated to 350°C with copper oxide; manganese dioxide. Vigorous exothermic reaction with iron(III) chloride, chromium(III) oxide, boron + heat, silicon + heat. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Rb
2O. See also
ACETYLIDES.