Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose^[1]
Names
	Other names Cellulose nitrate; Flash paper; Flash cotton; Flash string; Gun cotton; Collodion; Pyroxylin
Identifiers
CAS Number	9004-70-0 ;
ChemSpider	none;
UNII	KYR8BR2X6O ;
Properties
Chemical formula	(C; 6H; 9(NO; 2)O; 5); n (mononitrocellulose); (C; 6H; 8(NO; 2); 2O; 5); n (dinitrocellulose); (C; 6H; 7(NO; 2); 3O; 5); n (trinitrocellulose, pictured in structures above)
Appearance	Yellowish white cotton-like filaments
Melting point	160 to 170 °C (320 to 338 °F; 433 to 443 K) (ignites)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	2 3 3
Flash point	4.4 °C (39.9 °F; 277.5 K)
	Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (median dose)	10 mg/kg (mouse, IV)
	Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). verify (what is ?) Infobox references

Nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate, flash paper, flash cotton, guncotton, pyroxylin and flash string, depending on form) is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. One of its first major uses was as guncotton, a replacement for gunpowder as propellant in firearms. It was also used to replace gunpowder as a low-order explosive in mining and other applications. In the form of collodion it was also a critical component in an early photographic emulsion, the use of which revolutionized photography in the 1860s. In the 20th century it was adapted to automobile lacquer and adhesives.

^ Merck Index (11th ed.). p. 8022.

[1] Merck Index (11th ed.). p. 8022.

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