Fulminic acid

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Fulminic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	[506-85-4]
PubChem	521293
SMILES	C#[N+][O-]
InChI	1/CHNO/c1-2-3/h1H
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Fulminic acid was discovered in 1824 by Justus von Liebig. The molecular formula is H₂C₂N₂O₂, with the empirical formula being HCNO. This organic acid is an isomer of cyanic acid, discovered one year later by Friedrich Woehler. Fulminic acid and its salts, for instance mercury fulminate, are very dangerous, and are often used as detonators for other explosive materials, and are examples of primary explosives. The vapors are also toxic.

[edit] See also

• Fulminate

[edit] References

• F. Kurzer (2000). "Fulminic Acid in the History of Organic Chemistry". J. Chem. Educ. 77: 851-857. 
• F. Kurzer (1999). "The Life and Work of Edward Charles Howard". Annals of Science 56: 113-141. doi:10.1080/000337999296445.