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Fulminic acid
Introduction
Overview
Overview
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.
References
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.