Question

Picric acid is:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Answer 1

Hint: Picric acid belongs to the same family of the nitroaromatic explosives. It is an acidic phenol, which can explode under prolonged exposure to heat.

Complete step by step answer:
Picric acid is an organic compound which is pale yellow in color. The chemical formula of picric acid is ${{O}_{2}N}_{3}{C}_{6}{H}_{2}OH$. It is also known as 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol. Therefore, according to its IUPAC name, the following is the structure of picric acid.

Thus, option (D) is the correct answer.

Additional Information:
- The "picric" in the name picric acid comes from a greek pikrós, which means "bitter", reflecting its bitter taste.
- It is an odourless, crystalline solid. Percussion or rapid heating may cause it to explode.
- Picric acid is slightly soluble in water and used as an astringent reagent and in the synthesis reaction.
- Its mixture with water is considered to be safe for storage, handling, and shipping.
- It was once extensively used as an explosive for military applications and was once used as a component for rocket fuel.
- It has non-military uses as well. It is used in research as well as in the industry. It is used as a sanitizer in photographic emulsions, a chemical intermediate in the production of picramic acid and chloropicrin.
- Picric acid has the properties of an antiseptic and an astringent.
- It finds its usage in the medical applications as it is incorporated in the surface anesthetic ointment or solution and in burn ointments.

Note: Since picric acid is highly explosive, it should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area which is away from heat. Inhalation of picric acid through even dust may cause lung damage.