The spelling of the word "trinitrocresol" can be a challenge due to its length and complexity. Its phonetic transcription is /ˌtraɪnaɪtroʊˈkriːsɔːl/. The word is composed of three parts: "trinitro-" meaning three nitro groups, "cresol" meaning any of three isomeric compounds derived from toluene. Therefore, "trinitrocresol" refers to a compound that has three nitro groups attached to a cresol molecule. Despite its spelling difficulty, the term is important in chemistry as it is a potent explosive and warfare agent.
Trinitrocresol, also known as picric acid, is a highly explosive compound with the chemical formula C6H3N3O7. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in water and many organic solvents. Trinitrocresol is derived from the reaction of nitric acid with either phenol or cresol.
As an explosive, trinitrocresol is characterized by its sensitivity to heat, friction, and shock. It is classified as a primary explosive because it can detonate without the need for a separate ignition source. Trinitrocresol has a high brisance, meaning it releases a large amount of energy upon detonation. Due to its explosive nature, it is primarily used in the manufacturing of detonators, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
Beyond its explosive properties, trinitrocresol has also found applications in other fields. It has been used as a yellow dye for wool and silk, as well as a tanning agent in the leather industry. Additionally, trinitrocresol has been utilized in the medical field as an antiseptic and a cauterizing agent due to its strong acidic properties.
Due to the hazardous and volatile nature of trinitrocresol, it requires careful handling and storage. The compound is highly toxic and can cause severe burns upon contact with the skin. Inhalation or ingestion of trinitrocresol can lead to various health complications, including respiratory distress, kidney damage, and central nervous system disorders.
A yellowish powder obtained from creosol, employed as an antiseptic application.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trinitrocresol" is derived from the combination of three components: "tri-", "nitro-", and "cresol".
1. The prefix "tri-" originates from the Greek word "tri-", which means "three". In chemical terminology, "tri-" is used to indicate the presence of three atoms or groups.
2. "Nitro-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "nitrum", which means "saltpeter". It is used to represent the presence of a nitro group (-NO2) in a compound.
3. "Cresol" comes from the Latin word "crescere", meaning "to grow". It is a term used to describe a class of organic compounds obtained from coal tar or petroleum, consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a phenyl group (C6H5-).