
30 ◾ Risk Assessment and Security
Table 2.16 Characteristics and Specications of Picric Acid
Color: Yellow crystals
CAS number: 88-89-1
Empirical formula: C
6
H
3
N
3
O
7
Molecular weight: 229.1
Energy of formation: −1014.5 kJ/kg
Enthalpy of formation: −1084.8 kJ/kg
Detonation velocity: 7350 m/s at a density of 1.7 g/cm
3
Deagration point: 570°F
Solidication point: not less than 240°F
Moisture content: not more than 0.1%
Benzene-insoluble: not more than 0.15%
Ash content: not more than 0.1%
Lead content: not more than 0.0004%
Optimum oxygen balance: −45.4%
Iron content: not more than 0.005%
Insolubility in water: not more than 0.15%
Optimum nitrogen content: 18.34% ...