Substance profile
2,4,6-trinitrophenol
2,4,6-trinitrophenol is pale yellow crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is
2,4,6-trinitrophenol is pale yellow crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C6H3N3O7 and its molecular weight is 229.1 g/mol. It boils at 300 °C, melts at 121 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
02 · Identifiers
2,4,6-trinitrophenol identifiers and molecular data
2,4,6-trinitrophenol CAS number and EC number
2,4,6-trinitrophenol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
- picric acid
03 · GHS classification
2,4,6-trinitrophenol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2,4,6-trinitrophenol pictograms and signal word
2,4,6-trinitrophenol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explosives GHS chapter 2.1 | Category 1.1 | H201 | GHS01 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H301 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H311 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H331 | GHS06 |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
2,4,6-trinitrophenol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 11 precautionary statements to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
2,4,6-trinitrophenol name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 2,4,6-тринитрофенол пикринова киселина |
| Spanish español | 2,4,6-Trinitrofenol ácido pícrico |
| Czech čeština | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol pikrová kyselina |
| Danish dansk | 2,4,6-trinitrophenol picrinsyre |
| German Deutsch | 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol Pikrinsäure |
| Estonian eesti | 2,4,6-trinitrofenool pikriinhape |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2,4,6-τρινιτροφαινόλη πικρικό οξύ |
| English English | 2,4,6-trinitrophenol picric acid |
| French français | 2,4,6-trinitrophénol acide picrique |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol pikrinska kiselina |
| Italian italiano | 2,4,6-trinitrofenolo acido picrico |
| Latvian latviešu | 2,4,6-trinitrofenols pikrīnskābe |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2,4,6-trinitrofenolis pikro rūgštis |
| Hungarian magyar | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol pikrinsav |
| Maltese Malti | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol aċidu pikriku |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol picrinezuur |
| Polish polski | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol kwas pikrynowy |
| Portuguese português | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol ácido pícrico |
| Romanian română | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol acid picric |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol kyselina pikrová |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol pikrinska kislina |
| Finnish suomi | 2,4,6-trinitrofenoli pikriinihappo |
| Swedish svenska | 2,4,6-trinitrofenol pikrinsyra |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
2,4,6-trinitrophenol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2,4,6-trinitrophenol
- Explosive; mass explosion hazard.
- Toxic if inhaled.
- Toxic in contact with skin.
- Toxic if swallowed.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Rinse mouth.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2,4,6-trinitrophenol health hazards and exposure limits
2,4,6-trinitrophenol hazard summary
Workers may develop skin sensitization. Laboratory dogs receiving subcutaneously 100-125 mg/kg die of respiratory paralysis and have liver abnormalities on pathological examination. [HSDB] Irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; May stain yellow the hair and skin; [ICSC] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
2,4,6-trinitrophenol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 0.1 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | TWA 0.1 mg/m3 ST 0.3 mg/m3 [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 75 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 75 mg/m3 [From NPG: Picric acid] (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 75.0 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4,6-trinitrophenol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
2,4,6-trinitrophenol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 300 °C (572 °F) | above this value | HSDB |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 121 °C (249.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 122.22 °C (252 °F) | NIOSH |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.763 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.76 g/cm³ | NIOSH |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| 1 g in 12 mL alcohol, 10 mL benzene, 35 mL chloroform, and 65 mL ether | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.27X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 7.5e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1 mmHg | at 195 °C | NIOSH | |
| 1 mmHg | below this value | CAMEO |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 150 °C (302 °F) | HSDB |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 300 °C (572 °F) | HSDB |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid | NIOSH |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 7.9 (air = 1) | HSDB |
2,4,6-trinitrophenol corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Attacks common metals, except for aluminum and tin | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2,4,6-trinitrophenol fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
2,4,6-trinitrophenol fire potential
Flammable solid.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Fire and explosion
A severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. It forms salts easily, and many of its salts, known as picrates, are more sensitive explosives than picric acid.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
2,4,6-trinitrophenol storage and handling
2,4,6-trinitrophenol safe storage
Fireproof. Cool. Substance should be kept wet. Separated from strong oxidants, metals and reducing agents. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2,4,6-trinitrophenol storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep wetted with water. Do not allow material to become dry.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2,4,6-trinitrophenol incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong bases, reducing agents, heavy metals, heavy metal salts, ammonia.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2,4,6-trinitrophenol reactivity
Trinitrophenol (picric acid), wetted, with not less than 10% water by mass is a desensitized explosive. Can act as an oxidizing agent. If mixed with strong reducing agent, may explode on contact or begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Forms salts and other adducts with concrete, ammonia, and other bases and also with many metals (including copper, lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, iron). These materials may detonate when subjected to heat, friction, or impact inducing an explosion in the unreacted picric acid. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents such as chlorates and nitrates. Can ignite and burn if dried out. Heat built up in confined spaces when large quantities burn can cause detonation. Emits highly toxic fumes of NOx and explodes when heated to decomposition.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
2,4,6-trinitrophenol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol?
The CAS number of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is 88-89-1. Its EC number is 201-865-9.
What is the chemical formula of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol?
The molecular formula of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is C6H3N3O7 and its molecular weight is 229.1 g/mol.
What does a 2,4,6-trinitrophenol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol carries the pictograms Exploding bomb and Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2,4,6-trinitrophenol flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2,4,6-trinitrophenol no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 150 °C (302 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2,4,6-trinitrophenol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is 0.1 [mg/m3] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol?
The boiling point reported for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is 300 °C (572 °F), above this value (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol?
The melting point reported for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol is 121 °C (249.8 °F) (HSDB).
How should 2,4,6-trinitrophenol be stored?
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep wetted with water. Do not allow material to become dry. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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