Chemical Properties
Ammonium picrate is a bright yellow crystalline
solid, which turns red if contaminated.
Uses
In explosives, fireworks, rocket propellants.
General Description
A yellow crystalline solid. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during decomposition . Easily ignited and burns vigorously. May explode under prolonged exposure to fire or heat. The primary hazard is the blast effect of instantaneous explosion and not from flying projectiles and fragments.
Reactivity Profile
AMMONIUM PICRATE is a high explosive when dry [Hawley]. Mixing with water greatly reduces its sensitivity to shock, friction and heat. Traces of metallic picrates may significantly lower the temperature at which this mixture will explode (Military Explosives p. 96). Self-reactive.
Health Hazard
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Fire Hazard
MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
Hazard
A high explosive when dry, flammable
when wet.
Potential Exposure
Used in explosives, fireworks and
rocket propellants.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1310 Ammonium picrate, wetted with not ,
10% water, by mass, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-
Flammable solid. UN0004 Ammonium picrate, dry or
wetted with ,10 % water, by mass, Hazard Class: 1.1D;
Labels: 1.1D-Explosives (with a mass explosion hazard);
D-Substances or articles which may mass detonate (with
blast and/or fragment hazard) when exposed to fire.
Incompatibilities
Explosive when dry. A powerful oxidizer
that reacts violently with reducing agents. Dangerous when
heated or shocked.
Keep away from metals, sodium nitrite, perchlorates, peroxides,
permanganates, and any form of shock.
Description
Ammonium picrate is a nitro hydrocarbon derivative. It is composed of yellow crystals with not less than 10% water by mass. Ammonium picrate is highly explosive when dry and a flammable solid when wet, and is slightly soluble in water. The four-digit UN identification number for ammonium picrate with not less than 10% water is 1310. The primary uses are in pyrotechnics and explosives.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from EtOH and acetone. [Mitchell & Bryant J Am Chem Soc 65 128 1943, Beilstein 6 II 262, 16 III 879, 16 IV 1392.]
