Properties of Picric Acid

Picric Acid is a yellow crystalline solid, melting point 122°C. Picric Acid is insoluble in cold water but soluble in hot water and in ether. It is acidic in nature. Due to the existence of three electronegative nitro sets, it is a stronger acid as compared to phenol and its properties are similar to the carboxylic acid. It decomposes carbonates and neutralises alkalies along with evolution of carbon dioxide.

Dry picric acid also its potassium or ammonium salts explode violently while detonated. It reacts along with PCl₅ to make picryl chloride which on shaking with  yields picramide.