Substance profile
2,4,6-trinitrophenol
2,4,6-trinitrophenol is pale yellow crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is
2,4,6-trinitrophenol is pale yellow crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C6H3N3O7 and its molecular weight is 229.1 g/mol. It boils at 300 °C, melts at 121 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
Other names for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
- picric acid
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4,6-trinitrophenol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 300 °C (572 °F) | above this value | HSDB |
| Melting point | 121 °C (249.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 122.22 °C (252 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.763 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.76 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| 1 g in 12 mL alcohol, 10 mL benzene, 35 mL chloroform, and 65 mL ether | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.27X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 7.5e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1 mmHg | at 195 °C | NIOSH | |
| 1 mmHg | below this value | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 150 °C (302 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 300 °C (572 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 7.9 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Attacks common metals, except for aluminum and tin | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
A severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. It forms salts easily, and many of its salts, known as picrates, are more sensitive explosives than picric acid.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep wetted with water. Do not allow material to become dry.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong bases, reducing agents, heavy metals, heavy metal salts, ammonia.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Trinitrophenol (picric acid), wetted, with not less than 10% water by mass is a desensitized explosive. Can act as an oxidizing agent. If mixed with strong reducing agent, may explode on contact or begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Forms salts and other adducts with concrete, ammonia, and other bases and also with many metals (including copper, lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, iron). These materials may detonate when subjected to heat, friction, or impact inducing an explosion in the unreacted picric acid. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents such as chlorates and nitrates. Can ignite and burn if dried out. Heat built up in confined spaces when large quantities burn can cause detonation. Emits highly toxic fumes of NOx and explodes when heated to decomposition.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in the storage compatibility matrix →