Monograph number: 9026
Title: Styphnic Acid.
CAS Registry number: [82-71-3]
CA name(s): 2,4,6-Trinitro-1,3-benzenediol; 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinol;
Additional name(s): 2,4-dihydroxy-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene.
Molecular formula: C6H3N3O8
Molecular weight: 245.11
Composition: C 29.40%, H 1.23%, N 17.14%, O 52.22%.
Literature references: May be prepd from natural sources, such as Pernambuco wood extract or quebracho extract by the action of nitric acid: Einbeck, Jablonski, Ber. 54, 1086 (1921). Prepd industrially by first sulfonating, then nitrating resorcinol: Merz, Zetter, Ber. 12, 681, 2037 (1879); Datta, Varma, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 41, 2043 (1919). Prepd by nitrating 2,4-dinitroresorcinol: Kametani, Ogasawara, Chem. Pharm. Bull. 15, 893 (1967).
Properties: Hexagonal yellow crystals from dil alc. Astringent, but not bitter taste. Solvated crystals from acetic acid. Sublimes in high vacuum. Becomes almost colorless upon vacuum sublimation, but turns deep yellow on contact with air. When dry, mp 175.5 deg; also reported as mp 179-180 deg. One gram dissolves in 156 ml water at 14 deg, in 88 ml water at 62 deg. Freely sol in alcohol, ether. Acid to litmus. Dibasic acid. Deflagrates on rapid heating.
Melting point: 175.5; 179-180
USE: Has been used in the manuf of explosives.