Lead styphnate

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Lead styphnate
Lead styphnate by Explosiopedia.jpg
Lead styphnate powder
Names
IUPAC name
Lead(II) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-1,3-bis(olate)
Preferred IUPAC name
Lead(II) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-1,3-bis(olate)
Other names
Lead 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-1,3-diolate
Lead 2,4,6-trinitro-m-phenylene dioxide
1,3-Benzenediol, 2,4,6-trinitro-, lead(2+) salt (1:1)
Lead tricinate
Lead trinitroresorcinate
Tricinat
Properties
C6HN3O8Pb
Molar mass 450.288 g/mol
Appearance Reddish-orange solid
Odor Odorless
Density 3.06 g/cm3 (20 °C)
Melting point 330 °C (626 °F; 603 K) (detonates)
Boiling point Detonates
Insoluble
Solubility Insoluble in most organic solvents.
Hazards
Safety data sheet CPCB
Related compounds
Related compounds
Styphnic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Lead styphnate is the lead salt of styphnic acid. It is a primary explosive used in detonators.

Properties

Chemical

Lead styphnate detonates when exposed to heat, friction and shock. Its decomposition gives off carbon dioxide, monoxide, water vapor, lead oxide and soot particles.

Physical

Lead styphnate is a reddish-orange solid, almost insoluble in water and most solvents.

Explosive

Lead styphnate is very sensitive to shock and heat. It has a detonation velocity of 5200 m/s.

Availability

Lead styphnate can be found in some detonators, but it's not worth the effort to extract it.

Manufacturing, storing and handling this compound may require an explosive permit.

Preparation

Lead styphnate can be made by reacting styphnic acid with lead(II) hydroxide or carbonate. Another route involves reacting magnesium styphnate with lead(II) acetate in water, and, since lead styphnate is practically insoluble in water, it will precipitate out of the solution. Filter the precipitate and wash it with water.

Styphnic acid can be prepared from the nitration of resorcinol with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid, known as nitrating mixture. This reaction must be done at low and constant temperature, to prevent a runaway or worse.

Projects

  • Primary explosive in detonators.

Handling

Safety

Lead styphnate is extremely toxic. It is also a sensitive explosive.

Storage

Lead styphnate should be stored in anti-static closed containers. Do not store it for too long.

Disposal

Controlled oxidation, using an oxidizing mixture such as chromic acid, piranha solution or Fenton's reagent will reduce lead styphnate to carbon oxide, water, nitrogen and lead(II) sulfate/chromate. The resulting insoluble lead compounds can either be recycled or taken to hazardous waste disposal centers.

This method however, is not something any amateur can do safely!

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads