2.4.6- Trinitrophenol toxicity

Wyman JF, Serve MP, Hobson DW, et ah Acute toxicity, distribution, and metabolism of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid) in Fischer 344 rats. J Toxicol Environ Health 37 313-327, 1992... 

Explosives and related compounds have become widely recognized as serious environmental contaminants. Among the nitrosubstituted aromatic compounds causing particular concern are 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid), and many nitro- and/or amino-substituted aromatics that result from the manufacture and transformation of explosives. The threat posed by the presence of these compounds in soil and water is the result of their toxicity and is compounded by their recalcitrance to biodegradation. 

Picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol). Caution explosive and toxic. 

Synonyms and trade names picronitric acid, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, trinitrophenol Use and exposure Picric acid is a white to yellowish crystalline substance and highly flammable. It is used in the manufacture of fireworks, matches, electric batteries, colored glass, explosives, and disinfectants. Pharmaceutical, textile, and leather industries also make use of picric acid. Bouin s picro-formol is used as a preservative solution for biological specimens in laboratories. Toxicity and health effects Picric acid causes different adverse effects on the skins of animals and humans, like allergies, dermatitis, irritation, and sensitization. Absorption of picric acid by the system causes headache, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and coma. In high concentrations, picric acid is known to... 

Monoclinic rhombohedra from alcohol. The commercial crystals (needles) are yellow, mp 80.1. dj° 1654. Bums at 295° when not confined. Can be distilled under reduced pressure. Vapors are toxic. Dipole moment 1.37. Very sparingly sol in water About 0.01 % at 25. one gram dissolves in 700 ml of boiling water. Sol in acetone, benzene. Less sol than 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in alcohol, ether, carbon disulfide. Reacts vigorously with reducing agents. 

Trinitrophenol (picric acid), C H20H(N02)3 (see Figure 3.17), is composed of yellow crystals that are soluble in water. It is a high explosive, is shock- and heat-sensitive, and will explode spontaneously at 572T. Trinitrophenol is reactive with metals or metallic salts, and is toxic by skin absorption. The TLV is 0.1 mg/m of air. When shipped in 10 to 30% water, it is stable unless the water content drops below 10% or it dries out completely. The four-digit UN identification number is 1344 when shipped with not less than 10% water. The NFPA 704 designation is health 3, flammability 4, and reactivity 4. 

Trinitrophenol, also known as picric acid, is composed of yellow crystals and is a nitro hydrocarbon derivative. It is shipped with not less than 10% water as a wetted explosive. There is a severe explosion risk when shocked or heated to 572°F, and it reacts with metals or metallic salts. In addition to being flammable and explosive, it is toxic by skin absorption. Picric acid has caused disposal problems in school and other chemistry laboratories where the moisture has evaporated from the container as the material ages. When the picric acid dries out, it becomes a high explosive closely related to TNT. Picric acid has been found in various amounts in school labs across the country. In a dry condition, picric acid is dangerous and should be handled by the bomb squad. The structure and molecular formula for picric acid are shown in Figure 6.3. 

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