Agent Name |
Picric acid |
Alternative Name |
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol |
CAS Number |
88-89-1 |
Formula |
C6-H3-N3-O7 |
Major Category |
Other Uses |
Synonyms |
1,3,5-Trinitrophenol; 2,4,6-Trinitrofenol [Dutch]; 2,4,6-Trinitrofenolo [Italian]; 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol; 2-Hydroxy-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene; Acide picrique [French]; Acido picrico [Italian]; Acidum picrinicum; C.I. 10305; CI 10305; Carbazotic acid; Kyselina pikrova [Czech]; Melinite; Nitroxanthic acid; Phenol trinitrate; Phenoltrinitrate; Picral; Picronitric acid; Pikrinezuur [Dutch]; Pikrinsaeure [German]; Pikrynowy kwas [Polish]; Trinitrophenol; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Explosives |
Description |
Yellow, odorless solid. [Note: Usually used as an aqueous solution.]; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
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] |
Comments |
Workers may develop skin sensitization. Laboratory dogs receiving subcutaneously 100-125 mg/kg die of respiratory paralysis and have liver abnormalities on pathological examination. [HSDB] Irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; May stain yellow the hair and skin; [ICSC] |
Restricted |
An OSHA Class A Explosive (1910.109) |
Reference Link |
Allergic contact dermatitis from picric acid |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.01 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
0.01 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
8 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: The ingestion of 1 to 2 grams of picric acid has been reported to cause severe poisoning [ACGIH 1991]. [Note: An oral dose of 1 to 2 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to 660 to 1,330 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.] |
Vapor Pressure |
7.5 x 10 -07 mm Hg |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
Adverse Effects |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PICRIC ACID
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