Picric acid (also known as trinitrophenol) must be kept hydrated at all times, as it becomes increasingly unstable as it loses water content.
When dehydrated, it is not only explosive but also sensitive to shock, heat and friction. Picric acid is highly reactive with a wide variety of compounds (including many metals) and is extremely susceptible to the formation of picrate salts.
What to do?
- Label containers with date received
- Monitor the water content every 6 months
- Add distilled water as needed to maintain a consistent liquid volume
Have an old bottle?
If an old or previously unaccounted for bottle of picric acid is discovered, do not touch the container. Depending on how long the bottle has been abandoned and the state of the product inside, even a minor disturbance could be dangerous.
- Check it:
- Visually inspect the contents of the bottle without moving it
- Evaluate its content and look for signs of crystallization inside the bottle and around the lid.
- If there is even the slightest indication of crystallization, signs of evaporation, or the formation of solids in the bottle, do not handle the container and contact
- Secure it
- Secure the area and restrict access to the container until it can be evaluated by EH&S personnel.
- Notify
- EH&S Hotline at 310-825-9797 or email: hazardousmaterials@ehs.ucla.edu immediately.
