Picramic acid explained

Picramic acid, also known as 2-amino-4,6-dinitrophenol,[1] is an acid obtained by neutralizing an alcoholic solution of picric acid with ammonium hydroxide. Hydrogen sulfide is then added to the resulting solution, which turns red, yielding sulfur and red crystals. These are the ammonium salts of picramic acid, from which it can be extracted using acetic acid.[2] Picramic acid is explosive and very toxic. It has a bitter taste.[3]

Along with its sodium salt (sodium picramate) it is used in low concentrations in certain hair dyes, such as henna, it is considered safe for this use provided its concentration remains low.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Haz-Map Category Details . 2014-04-09 . 2018-09-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180920101438/https://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/category-details?id=3267&table=copytblagents . live .
  2. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-04-09 . 2020-06-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200606155102/https://www.jbc.org/content/35/3/565.full.pdf . live .
  3. Web site: PICRAMIC ACID (2-AMINO-4,6-DINITROPHENOL). 2011-04-30. 2011-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20110829044602/http://www.chemicalland21.com/specialtychem/perchem/PICRAMIC%20ACID.htm. live.
  4. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Picramate . Journal of the American College of Toxicology . July 1992 . 11 . 4 . 447–464 . 10.3109/10915819209141884. 208504486 . free .

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