Picric Acid Explosion

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Page ID: 3023

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Chemical Concepts Demonstrated

Exothermic reactions that require heat for activation
"Dangerous" chemical compounds

Demonstration

A small quantity of lead oxide (PbO) and picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol) are spread on the metal plate above a burner.
Light the burner.

Observations

A fairly spectacular explosion takes place.

Explanation

Picric acid is in the same family of nitroaromatic explosives as trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is no longer used as an explosive because of this type of reaction. A shock-insensitive explosive compound that forms shock-sensitive explosive salts with metals (such as lead) is too unwieldy for most usual applications.

Several years ago, someone realized that many high school chemistry classrooms in the midwest portion of the United States contained picric acid. Bomb squads were sent into several of these schools to remove this "dangerous explosive." This demonstration has been used to help students understand that compounds such as picric acid can be dangerous, but they can be handled safely if care is taken.

Contributors

Dr. George Bodner (Perdue University)