OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What is the recommended practice when dealing with picric acid?

1. a. always keep the picric acid dry

2. b. always keep the picric acid wet

3. c. always keep the picric acid refrigerated

4. d. always keep the picric acid frozen

The correct answer is: b. always keep the picric acid wet

The correct practice for dealing with picric acid involves keeping it wet. Picric acid is a highly explosive compound, particularly when it becomes dry. If the crystals are allowed to dry out, they can become very sensitive to shock and can detonate easily. Maintaining the picric acid in a wet state mitigates this risk, ensuring it remains stable and much safer to handle. This is why proper storage conditions emphasize keeping it wet, typically by storing it in a solution or ensuring that the container is appropriately sealed to prevent evaporation. Other storage methods, such as keeping it dry, refrigerated, or frozen, do not address the inherent instability of dry picric acid and may contribute to hazards instead.