I don't get this joke. Is it some kind of play on "water, too?"

I don't get this joke. Is it some kind of play on "water, too?"

Transcript:

Two scientists walk into a bar. The first says, "I'll have some H2O." The second says, "I'll have a glass of water too. Why did you say H2O? It's the end of the day and there's no need to talk about work." The first scientist stares at his drink, angry that his assassination plan has failed.

Solution 1:

This is an old chemistry pun. The first scientist expected the exchange to go something like

Scientist 1: I’d like some H₂O.

Scientist 2: I’d like some H₂O, too.

which would sound exactly the same as

Scientist 2: I’d like some H₂O₂.

H₂O₂ is the chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide, of which a glass would be highly toxic.

Solution 2:

As choster explained, this is a modification of a chemistry joke.

I'd just like to add that this is an example of an anti-joke.

An anti-joke is typically prepared and delivered in a similar fashion to a regular joke but the climax (the punchline) is realistic, disappointing or depressing. This can still be funny because it can still shock the listener.

Another example of an anti-joke is:

A man walks into a bar. He is an alcoholic and is ruining his family.