Category:Fulminic

Ful*min"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. F. fulminique.]

Defn: Pertaining to fulmination; detonating; specifically (Chem.), pertaining to, derived from, or denoting, an acid, so called; as, fulminic acid. Fulminic acid (Chem.), a complex acid, H2C2N2O2, isomeric with cyanic and cyanuric acids, and not known in the free state, but forming a large class of highly explosive salts, the fulminates. Of these, mercuric fulminate, the most common, is used, mixed with niter, to fill percussion caps, charge cartridges, etc. -- Fulminic acid is made by the action of nitric acid on alcohol.