Nitroguanididine
Koppers - Nitroguanidine
Nitroguanidine is a highly versatile intermediate used in the manufacture of a range of high value organic chemicals.
Nitroguanidine, also known as Picrite, was initially developed as a propellent for various munitions. However, its versatility as an intermediate in Organic Chemical synthesis means that these chemical applications now dwarf its traditional uses.
NITROGUANIDINE (PICRITE), WETTED WITH NOT LESS THAN 20% WATER | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA
General Description
Nitroguanidine is shipped as a slurry or wet mass of pale yellow crystals. If it should dry out it can explode due to shock, heat, flame, or friction. The primary hazard is blast where the entire load can explode instantaneously and not from flying projectiles and fragments. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat they can explode.
Reactivity Profile
Nitroalkanes, such as NITROGUANIDINE, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive. Nitroalkanes are insoluble in water. Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; Treat as an explosive. Mercury and silver complex salts of nitroguanidine are very impact sensitiv
Firefighting
CARGO FIRE: DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches cargo! Cargo may EXPLODE! Stop all traffic and clear the area for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions and let burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
Shipping (from Canadian regulations)
Schedule 3 - Transport Canada
NITROGUANIDINE, dry or wetted with less than 20 per cent water, by mass
Class 1.1D UN0282 (that puts it in the same explosion risk as black powder / gun powder)
NITROGUANIDINE, WETTED with not less than 20 per cent water, by mass
Class 4.1 UN1336 (= flammable solid)
Putting a shipment 160 tonnes of that stuff on a ship with a load of missiles is daft
Drawing attention to it by misdeclaring / misdocumenting is insane