Originally Posted by Alikiliki

Ok thanks for the info. A more stable solution sounds like a better idea since i probably wont be able to set it off right away and it also better that it doesnt blow up in my hands.

Originally Posted by BlackZodiac

Hydrochloric and sulfuric acid are also commonly used but some differences can be noted, and must be taken
into account.

Sulfuric acid: adding it will cause immediately a local overheating and ebullition. You must add it drop-by-drop. A good solution to avoid a temperature elevation is to dilute your acid and let it cool (e.g. from 95+ % to 30%).

Hydrochloric acid: easy to get, it may be the best suited acid in this synthesis, regarding to its low cost. It is safer too, as pouring the whole acid at once in the mix will not cause (even local) ebullition or overheating; however, the global temp of the mix will rise thus favoring the formation of the dimer, or even producing tear gas. Don’t forget that it’s easier to keep the
reaction cool than cooling it down once the temperature has raised."

Originally Posted by XGP0001

Tear gas?! So using HCL instead of Sulfuric acid can create this?
I am thinking about doing this, should i wear a gas mask while i do it? I know gloves with acid, but that just freaked me out I dont want to die from tear gas while i am expecting to get an explosive. Also, if i boil 30% H202 to around 3% of its orig. volume, this is the stuff i want right?

Originally Posted by [ g h o s t ]

And, I say again, AP is slightly more stable when left ACIDIC.

Originally Posted by BlackZodiac

If the temperature exceeds 10°C, it can produce tear gas, regardless of what type of acid you use, I have heard you can even use citric acid. So if you have pure lemon juice, that could work also.

Originally Posted by BlackZodiac

Oh really? Could you explain that a little? Thanks.

Originally Posted by [ g h o s t ]

Well, no, I KNOW that's a pile of shit because in the past I've run stress-tests on AP synths and run them as high as thirty degrees. The yeild was terrible and extremely dangerous, but there was definetly no 'tear gas'. Mind showing me what reaction that would be?



Actually, no. I've yet to figure out why, but it seems to be an industry norm. My AP is always more stable (and less likely to sublimate) when slightly acidic, and when AP is sued as a flour-bleaching agent it's made to a pH of 6, and resin catalysts such as MEKP are always made slightly acidic as well. So, there's evidence, but I don't know the precise mechanism yet. Been a problem I've brainstormed for a while. AP is a funny little cunt, it can be very tricky but also remarkably easy. It's easy to get a result, but the art form lies in getting a pure isomer and controlling crystal formation, grain shape and so on and so forth.

Originally Posted by [ g h o s t ]

... PICRIC acid as a catalyst for AP formation?

Yeah, fuck you.