PICRATE Meaning and
Definition
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Picrate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as picric acids. It is derived from phenols, which are aromatic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring. The picrate compound is formed by the reaction between phenol and nitric acid.
Typically, picrates are yellow crystalline solids that are soluble in organic solvents but have limited solubility in water. They possess explosive properties and are often used as explosive agents or components of explosive mixtures due to their high sensitivity to mechanical impact, heat, or friction. However, due to their explosive nature, they are primarily employed in military applications.
Picrates find significance in various fields such as chemistry and medicine. In chemistry, they are used as analytical reagents for the detection and identification of certain compounds. They also find application in explosives, dyes, and as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals. Medicinally, picrates have been historically used as antiseptics due to their antimicrobial properties. They can disinfect wounds and skin conditions effectively.
While picrates have valuable applications, their usage requires caution and adherence to safety protocols due to their explosive nature. It is crucial to handle, store, and transport them safely to prevent accidents or any unintended detonation. Therefore, they are subject to strict regulations and control by appropriate authorities to ensure their safe and responsible use in industrial and research settings.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PICRATE
Etymology of PICRATE
The word "picrate" is derived from the French word "picrate". The French term is a combination of "pic" (meaning "point" or "needle") and "-ate" (a suffix indicating a salt or ester of an acid). The term was coined in the early 19th century within the field of chemistry to describe a specific class of compounds known as picrates.
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