Sunday 16 December 2018

I Suppose It's Some Comfort There Are No Mad Scientists Working For 'The Mail'...


It was actually used to make explosives...

H/T: Stephen Brown via email

2 comments:

  1. Indeed Julia, picric acid was used as an explosive and is not a noxious gas. Many years ago I had occasion to play with this compound. Due to its volatility, it had to be kept under water. For jolly japes I would paint it on areas and allow it to dry. It was a hoot on keyboards. Once dry it became a contact explosive and subsequent hilarity would follow unless someone died. Then there would be a police investigation and the plod would take away the picric acid as well as the ricin and potassium cyanide. I think I've regressed.


    Anyway, the mad scientists are still here, just retired.

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  2. "Many years ago I had occasion to play with this compound. Due to its volatility, it had to be kept under water. "

    I remember from chemistry lessons something like that (magnesium?).

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