How to make Amonium Picrate

Part 2
AMMONIUM PICRATE

Ammonium picrate, also called Explosive D, is another safety explosive.It requires a substantial shock to cause it to detonate, slightly less than that required to detonate ammonium nitrate. It is much safer than picric acid, since it has little tendency to form hazardous unstable salts when placed in metal containers.

Ammonium Picrate is well suited for use as a bursting charge in armor-piercing projectiles. Explosive D is used as a bursting charge for armor-piercing shells and in other types of projectiles that must withstand severe shock and stress before detonating.

It is simple to make from picric acid and clear household ammonia.

PREPARATION:

1- Put the picric acid crystals into a glass container.

2- Dissolve them in a great quantity of hot water.

3- Add clear household ammonia in excess.

4- Allow the excess ammonia to evaporate. The powder remaining should be ammonium picrate