Picric acid, also called 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, pale yellow, odourless crystalline solid that has been used as a military explosive, as a yellow dye, and as an antiseptic. ... It was used as a yellow dye, initially for silk, beginning in 1849.
Why is Trinitrophenol called picric acid?
2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is highly acidic in nature as three electron withdrawing groups (Nitro group) are attached to it. These electron withdrawing groups on phenol make it highly acidic. That's why it is known as picric acid.
What is meant by picric?
Medical Definition of picric acid
: a bitter toxic explosive yellow crystalline strong acid C6H3N3O7 used especially as a dye or biological stain, as an antiseptic, and as a precipitant for organic bases and polycyclic hydrocarbons. — called also trinitrophenol.
