P6744

Picric acid solution

1.3% in H₂O (saturated)

• Synonym(s): 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol
• Linear Formula: (O₂N)₃C₆H₂OH
• CAS Number: 88-89-1
• Molecular Weight: 229.10
• Beilstein: 423400
• MDL number: MFCD00007102
• UNSPSC Code: 12171500
• PubChem Substance ID: 24898790
• NACRES: NA.47

Properties

• form: liquid
• concentration: 1.3% in H₂O (saturated)
• color: yellow to very dark yellow
• density: 1.080 g/cm³
• application(s): hematology; histology
• storage temp.: room temp
• SMILES string: Oc1c(cc(cc1[N+]([O-])=O)[N+]([O-])=O)[N+]([O-])=O
• InChI: 1S/C6H3N3O7/c10-6-4(8(13)14)1-3(7(11)12)2-5(6)9(15)16/h1-2,10H
• InChI key: OXNIZHLAWKMVMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Description

General description

Picric acid is a polynitrated aromatic acid. It dissolves in water to form a solution with low pH (pH 2.0). It interacts with basic groups of proteins, forms salts and coagulates them. Fixation with picric acid gives a bright stain, but there might be a loss of nucleic acids due to the low pH of the solution.
Picric acid is anionic and has a low molecular weight.

Application

Picric acid is commonly used as a fixative and staining reagent in forensic and histological applications. It is a general cytoplasmic stain, connective tissue fiber stain, and a fixative for tissues.

• It is a component of picrosirius red which is used to stain collagen.
• Bouin’s fluid which also comprises picric acid is a fixative for nuclei and connective tissue.
• It can be used as a colorimetric reagent in creatinine determination assay.

Safety Information

• Supplementary Hazards: EUH001
• Storage Class Code: 12 - Non Combustible Liquids
• WGK: WGK 1
• Flash Point(F): Not applicable
• Flash Point(C): Not applicable
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves