Picric Acid

HCID 6954CAS 88-89-1

Basic information

Standard SMILES
O=[N+]([O-])c1cc([N+](=O)[O-])c(O)c([N+](=O)[O-])c1
InChIKey
OXNIZHLAWKMVMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
C6H3N3O7
Average molar mass
229.1 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
228.99709944

Overview

Picric acid, [dry] appears as yellow crystals. An explosive. Specific gravity 1.767. Melting point 251.2 °F (121.8 °C). Explodes at 572 °F. Toxic by ingestion.

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Picric Acid
IUPAC
2,4,6-trinitrophenol
English name
PICRIC ACID
Molecular formula
C6H3N3O7
Molecular weight
229.1

Names & synonyms

PICRIC ACID2,4,6-TrinitrophenolTrinitrophenol88-89-1Carbazotic acidPicronitric acidMeliniteAcide picriqueNitroxanthic acidPhenol trinitratePicralPikrinezuur
Show more names
picric2,4,6-TrinitrofenolPICRIC ACID SOLUTIONPicric acid moistened with water, >=98%TNP、PA
PikrinsaeureAcido picricoPikrynowy kwasPhenol, 2,4,6-trinitro-Phenoltrinitrate2-Hydroxy-1,3,5-trinitrobenzenePicricum acidumKyselina pikrova

Database identifiers

CAS
88-89-1
PubChem CID
6954
DTXSID
DTXSID4025909
ChEMBL
CHEMBL108541
ChEBI
CHEBI:46149
UNII
A49OS0F91S
EC Number
201-865-9
Nikkaji
J3.910A

Properties

Computed structural properties

XLogP
0.9
Topological polar surface area
158 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
1
Hydrogen bond acceptors
7
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
16

Experimental & physicochemical properties

Chemical Classes · 2 items

Other Uses -> Explosives

Flammable agents - 4th degree

DrugsPharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
SpringerMaterials PropertiesBoiling point
LogP · 3 items

log Kow = 1.44

2.03

1.64

OdorOdorless
TasteIntensely bitter

Physicochemical properties

Melting point
122 · 122-123 °C (dried material, Lit. Merck Index 12th Ed.)(lit.)
Boiling point
300 ℃ · 300℃
Density
1 g/mL · 1.00 g/mL at 20 °C
vapor density
7.9 · 7.9 (vs air)
vapor pressure
1 mm · 1 mm Hg ( 195 °C)
refractive index
1.763 · 1.7630 (estimate)

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

Danger

H201: (Deleted) Explosive; mass explosion hazard [Danger Explosives]

P210, P230, P240, P250, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P370+P380, P372, P373, P401, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H201 (98.5%): (Deleted) Explosive; mass explosion hazard [Danger Explosives]

P203, P210, P230, P240, P250, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P380, P372, P373, P391, P401, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 4 items

Chemical: Phenol, 2,4,6-trinitro-

Status: Cease Manufacture Update: 03-04-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23472

Phenol, 2,4,6-trinitro- (wetted with >30% water): HSNO Approval: HSR001448 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Other Safety InformationIMAP assessments - Phenol, 2,4,6-trinitro-: Human health tier I assessment
DOT Label · 3 items

Explosive 1.1D

Flammable Solid

Flammable Solid

Fire Hazards · 6 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 112 [Explosives - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

· Flammable/combustible material.

· Flammable/combustible material.

· Flammable/combustible material.

Fire Potential · 3 items

Flammable solid.

Flammable solid when exposed to heat or flame ... .

It will burn once ignited by a flame and will continue to burn quietly if the quantity is small or the material is thinly spread over a large area. /Trinitrophenol, dry/

Health Hazards · 6 items

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Picric acid:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

· Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically, Dinitrophenol, wetted (UN1320); Dinitrophenolates, wetted (UN1321), Sodium dinitro-o-cresolate, wetted (UN1348); and Barium azide, wetted (UN1571) are known to be toxic.

· Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically, Dinitrophenol, wetted (UN1320); Dinitrophenolates, wetted (UN1321), Sodium dinitro-o-cresolate, wetted (UN1348); and Barium azide, wetted (UN1571) are known to be toxic.

· Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Specifically, Dinitrophenol, wetted (UN1320); Dinitrophenolates, wetted (UN1321), Sodium dinitro-o-cresolate, wetted (UN1348); and Barium azide, wetted (UN1571) are known to be toxic.

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 4 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 112 [Explosives - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

Use water in large amounts. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

First Aid Measures · 4 items

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

Accidental Release Measures · 6 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

First Aid · 6 items

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Picric acid:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 113 [Flammable Materials (Wet / Desensitized Explosive)]:

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

General First Aid:

General First Aid:

General First Aid:

Safe StorageFireproof. Cool. Substance should be kept wet. Separated from strong oxidants, metals and reducing agents. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Firefighting Hazards · 3 items

The primary hazard is from blast effect where the entire load can explode instantaneously and not from flying projectiles and fragments. /Trinitrophenol, dry/

Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.

Explosive decomposition may occur under fire conditions.

Toxicology

Interactions · 1 item

Fifty mg/kg of picric acid injected ip into rats 30 min before morphine, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, etonitazene, aminopyrine, sodium salicylate and pentobarbital potentiated analgesia and sleeping time induced by these drugs, but had no effect on pentylenetetrazole and amphetamine.

Target OrgansEyes, skin, kidneys, liver, blood
Ecotoxicity Values · 5 items

LC50; Species: Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid Copepod) age 2-4 wk, adult; Conditions: saltwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 72000 ug/L for 96 hr /formulation/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 6-24 hr newborn, clone 1; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, dissolved oxygen >80%; Concentration: 104000 ug/L for 24 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulation/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 6-24 hr newborn, clone 1; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, dissolved oxygen >80%; Concentration: 55000 ug/L for 48 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulation/

LC50; Species: Americamysis bahia (Opossum Shrimp) age 4 days, juvenile; Conditions: saltwater, static, 20 °C, pH > or =7.0-8.0, dissolved oxygen 70-121%; Concentration: 13000 ug/L for 96 hr /> or =99% purity/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Picric acid (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Environmental Fate · 3 items

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2250(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that picric acid is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of picric acid is 0.42(3), indicating that this compound will exist entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of the anion from moist soil is not expected because anions do not volatilize(SRC). Picric acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 7.5X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). A 23% of Theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2250(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that picric acid is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 0.42(3) indicates picric acid will exist entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). The picric acid concentration in sterile pore water decreased from 2000 umoles/L to <1500 umoles/L at 20 °C after 28 days, suggesting that hydrolysis or other unknown abiotic breakdown processes contribute to picric acid transformation(4). According to a classification scheme(5), BCFs of <2.2 measured in carp (Cyprinus carpio)(6) suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Under simulated solar radiation, the picric acid concentration in seawater decreased from 3510.55 umoles/L to 3206.05 umoles/L after 47 days exposure(4). Mixed cultures of phenol adapted microorganisms exhibited little or no oxygen uptake in the presence of picric acid(7-8), suggesting that picric acid is resistant to degradation under aerobic conditions(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), picric acid, which has a vapor pressure of 7.5X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase picric acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 110 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.4X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase picric acid may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Picric acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Adverse EffectsOccupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.
Exposure Routes · 2 items

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Regulatory information

RCRA RequirementsD003; A solid waste containing picric acid may become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to testing for reactivity as stipulated in 40 CFR 261.23, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.
DHS Chemicals of Interest (COI) · 6 items

Trinitrophenol

A Commercial Grade

5000

A Commercial Grade

400

Explosive chemical that can be released at a facility.

State Drinking Water Guidelines(ME) MAINE 57 ug/L

Safety data

OEB
D
OEL
TWA: 0.1 mg/m3, STEL: 0.3 mg/m3 [skin]
wgk
2
IDLA
75 mg/m3
tsca
TSCA listed
rtecs
TJ7875000

Chemistry & industry

Pharmacology

Biological Half-Life · 2 items

The bioconcentration and metabolism of picric acid and picramic acid were determined for rainbow trout. ... The half-life (t1/2) elimination for the high and low dose of picric acid was 12.0 and 12.5 d, respectively ... .

/In Fischer-344 rats/ the plasma half-life for picric acid was 13.4 hr with a gut absorption coefficient (ka) of 0.069/hr.

Metabolism/Metabolites · 3 items

Picric acid is metabolized largely to picramic acid.

The bioconcentration and metabolism of picric acid and picramic acid were determined for rainbow trout. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) in the epaxial muscle at 42 d for both of these compounds was less than 1; the skin had a BCF value of 1 and 9, respectively. The half-life (t1/2) elimination for the high and low dose of picric acid was 12.0 and 12.5 d, respectively; and for picramic acid was 9.0 and 9.5 d, respectively. In separate experiments, approximately 34% of the injected [14C]picric acid was metabolized to picramic acid, glucuronide conjugates, and an unidentified group of compounds, and 42% of the [(14)C]picric acid was metabolized to picric acid, glucuronide conjugates, and an unidentified group of compounds. The low bioconcentration in the trout muscle may be due to the trout's ability to excrete the parent compound and metabolites. The higher radioactivity observed on the skin may be due to the water route of exposure and the binding of the parent compounds to protein.

Metabolism of picric acid /in Fischer-344 rats/ was limited to reduction of nitro groups to amines. Metabolites isolated from urine included N-acetylisopicramic acid (14.8%), picramic acid (18.5%), N-acetylpicramic acid (4.7%), and unidentified components (2.4%). Approximately 60% of the parent picric acid was excreted unchanged.

MeSH Pharmacological Classification · 2 items

Substances used for the detection, identification, analysis, etc. of chemical, biological, or pathologic processes or conditions. Indicators are substances that change in physical appearance, e.g., color, at or approaching the endpoint of a chemical titration, e.g., on the passage between acidity and alkalinity. Reagents are substances used for the detection or determination of another substance by chemical or microscopical means, especially analysis. Types of reagents are precipitants, solvents, oxidizers, reducers, fluxes, and colorimetric reagents. (From Grant &amp; Hackh&apos;s Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed, p301, p499)

Chemical agents that uncouple oxidation from phosphorylation in the metabolic cycle so that ATP synthesis does not occur. Included here are those IONOPHORES that disrupt electron transfer by short-circuiting the proton gradient across mitochondrial membranes.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion · 4 items

Twenty-four hours following oral administration of ((14)C)picric acid (100 mg/kg) /to Fischer-344 rats/, the primary depots of radioactivity (per gram tissue basis) were blood, spleen, kidney, liver, lung, and testes. Respective tissue/blood ratios were 0.37, 0.31, 0.28, 0.26, and 0.22. All other tissue assayed had partition ratios < 0.20, with brain and adipose tissue having the least amount of radioactivity. Tissue/blood ratios were essentially maintained over a 48-hr postadministration period. Binding (in vitro) of ((14)C)picric acid to plasma proteins (whole blood preparations) demonstrated both high- and low-affinity binding sites, with dissociation constants of 3.18 x 10-6 and 2.85 x 10-4 M, respectively.

/Picric acid is/ readily absorbed through skin ... .

... /Picric acid/ may be absorbed from ... mucous membranes of body.

... Trinitrophenol /was found/ in the urine of humans following oral exposure. ... Picric acid is eliminated from humans in both the free form and as picramic acid.

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 6 items

Used as an explosive, dye, fungicide, copper etching agent, and chemical intermediate for metal picrates; it is used in the manufacturing of leather products, batteries, colored glass, textile mordants, rocket fuel, and photographic emulsions; [HSDB]

An OSHA Class A Explosive (1910.109)

Battery Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Explosives, matches; in leather industry; electric batteries; etching copper; manufacture colored glass; textile mordant. Reagent for preparation of organic derivatives for identification.

Used in synthesis of dyes.

Picric acid was used as solvent for extraction of insulin from human tissue.

U.S. Production · 3 items

(1972) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 G

(1975) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 G

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#3803]

Methods of Manufacturing · 2 items

Prepared by sulfonating phenol then treating with nitric acid ... ; by treating benzene with nitric acid and mercuric nitrate: Teeters, Mueller, United States of America patent 2455322 (1948 to Allied Chem.); by nitration of 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol ... .

Nitration of phenolsulfonic acid, obtained by heating phenol with concentrated sulfuric acid.

Formulations/Preparations · 2 items

Grades: technical paste; pure paste.

Usually found in solution with 10 - 20% water.

General Manufacturing Information · 2 items

Phenol, 2,4,6-trinitro-: ACTIVE

The explosive power of picric acid is somewhat superior to that of TNT, both as regards to the strength and the velocity of detonation.

Applications · 5 items

DescriptionPicric acid is a white to yellowish crystalline substance, soluble in most organic solvents and highly flammable. Picric acid is a derivative of phenol. It reacts with metals to form metal picrates, which like picric acid itself are highly sensitive. It is often used for tissue fixative (Bouin solution) for histology specimens, as a booster to detonate another, less sensitive explosive, such as trinitotoluene (TNT). It is used in the manufacture of fireworks, matches, electric batteries, coloured glass, dyes, antiseptics, explosives, disinfectants, leather industries, pharmaceutical, and textile. Picric acid is also used as a yellow dye, as an antiseptic, and in the synthesis of chloropicrin, or nitro-trichloromethane. Picric acids are highly sensitive to heat, shock, or friction and because of the explosive nature it is among the most hazardous substances found in the laboratory.

UsesPicric acid and its metal salts are used as explosives. It is also used in making matches; electric batteries, colored glass; in etching copper; and for dyeing textiles.

UsesExplosives, matches; in leather industry; electric batteries; etching copper; manufacture of colored glass; textile mordant; also as reagent.

UsesPreparation of organic derivatives for identification.

General DescriptionA paste or slurry consisting of the yellow crystalline solid mixed with water. The dry compound is a sensitive high explosive. The mixture with water is considered safe for storage, handling and shipping. Can be detonated with a number 8 electric blasting cap. The primary hazard is blast where the entire load explodes instantaneously and not from flying projectiles fragments. Can explode under prolonged exposure to heat.

Additional notes · 1 item

DefinitionA yellow crystalline solid made by nitrating phenolsulfonic acid. It is used as a dye and as an explosive. With aromatic hydrocarbons picric acid forms characteristic charge-transfer complexes (misleadingly called picrates), used in analysis for identifying the hydrocarbon.

Related reactions

26 records

Linked notes

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