Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Picric Acid

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Picric Acid, Phenol trinitrate, 2, 4, 6 trinitrophenol, Carbazotic Acid

UN Number

3364 (wetted > 10% water), 1344 (wetted > 30% water)

Chemical Formula

(NO₂)₃C₆H₂OH

Hazards

Explosive

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA.  If involved in fire, treat as an explosive.

Fire Fighting Considerations

Treat as explosive if involved in fire.  If extinguishment is attempted, use flooding amounts of water. 

Decontamination

Soap and water with adequate ventilation, consider destruction of contaminated PPE and equipment.

Detection and Monitoring

FTIR, GCMS, chemical reactivity assessment (i.e. HazCat)

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Yellow wetted crystals, paste, or slurry

Vapor Pressure

1 mm/Hg

Boiling Point

Explodes above 572^oF

Vapor Density

-

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

Soluble

Flash Point

302^oF

LEL/UEL

5.6-40%

Autoignition Temp

300^oF

Toxicity

IDLH

50 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

.1 / .1 / .3 mg/m₃

LD50

~200 mg/kg ppm

pH

-

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Exposure by all routes 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Irritates skin and mucous membranes, toxic to liver, kidneys, blood

Medical Treatment

Treat symptomatically

Other Information

Sensitive to shock, friction, and heat, especially when dry.  Do not mix with aluminum powder and water (forms flammable mixture)

Chemical Structure