Zinc chloride is melted and then hooked up to 18V to produce zinc metal and chlorine gas. The zinc metal is confirmed by dipping the cathode in concentrated HCl to show evolution of hydrogen gas.
For comparison, aqueous zinc chloride also has electrolysis performed. The bubbling is likely oxygen gas (-1.23 V standard) since chloride to chlorine (-1.36 V standard) is slightly more difficult to oxidize. But the concentration is not known and so it is possible to be generating a decent amount of both gases. Again the zinc product is confirmed using 12 M HCl.
Finally, the liquid salt is stretched as it begins to freeze.
Pencil leads were used for anode and cathode.
This demonstration is extremely dangerous, please do not attempt to replicate.
