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.
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.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the mad scientists are still here, just retired.
"Many years ago I had occasion to play with this compound. Due to its volatility, it had to be kept under water. "
ReplyDeleteI remember from chemistry lessons something like that (magnesium?).