In this video I synthesize the explosive compound picric acid or trinitrophenol from plain aspirin.
PLEASE READ: I do not recommend anyone but trained professionals attempt this process due to several significant hazards associated with the synthesis and storage of this chemical. In this video (especially near the end) I made a few dry jokes downplaying the dangers associated with this chemical. These jokes were excessively dry and upon rewatching my own video I see how they could be easily taken as serious notes on the process. That said, I just want to be clear that this is chemical has the potential to be VERY hazardous.
I intentionally made a very small amount, but with compounds that can potentially undergo rapid decomposition, safety is a very fine line. Just a few grams more than I made could be the difference between a loud pop and some broken glass, and something that could cause severe injury.
Also keep in mind that metal picrate formation is only really a concern during storage (the small amount I made here using a sodium salt and a metal thermometer was removed in the recrystallization). That said, I don't recommend storing this chemical at all, and I destroyed this sample after I finished filming. Its my opinion that this chemical does not have enough practical uses to balance the risk of keeping it around, but I find this synthesis an excellent educational model.

If you do insist on storing this chemical, it MUST be stored with at least 15% of its mass of water. It should also be checked and rewetted periodically. This would be a bad thing to forget to do so again I'd just skip this on anything beyond the 25g scale.

BTW this was done on request.. although its been several months so I forget who asked I do this one..
#chemistry #science #hydrogen #gas #elements #fire #chemical #industury #color