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Picratic Acids In General

I was on the search for Trinitrophenol, A.K.A. Picratic Acid. In my search I have found it to be mostly un-available and un-stable. I had no idea that what I was using day to day was such a deadly compound. If there are any alternatives to Trinitrophenol please forward such info to me, thanx always!

James Bauer
student - Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
2003

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First of three simultaneous responses --

I think you mean picric acid. It forms salts called picrates, so it is easy to make such an error. Picric acid is safe when wet or moist, but when dry it is extremely unstable and explosive. It also forms salts with heavy metals such as lead that are also extremely unstable and explosive. Picric acid is sometimes used in cytology to stain cells and other biological media, but due to its instability it is not easily obtained. If you are serious about needing it and are a competent organic chemist, it should not be a problem to make it for yourself. One problem about your query - what ARE you using it for?

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

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Second of three simultaneous responses -- 2003

Nasty, nasty, nasty stuff! What are you using it for? If we knew what you were trying to accomplish, it would be much easier to answer your question.

I should quantify what I said. It is extremely unstable when dry. I've heard stories of lab explosions, due to crystalline residue (very unstable)on the lip of a bottle, which "exploded" when the cap was twisted to open it. Be extremely careful when handling any bottle that shows evidence of drying around the cap.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

Picric acid is not a bad actor as long as it is damp. When it is dry, it is sensitive and explosive. No big deal to keep it damp. Now, as far as a substitute, what are you using it for?

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003