Nitrostarch
Nitrostarch is a secondary explosive[1] similar to nitrocellulose. Much like starch, it is made up of two components, nitrated amylose and nitrated amylopectin. Nitrated amylopectin generally has a greater solubility than amylose; however, it is less stable than nitrated amylose.[2]
The solubility, detonation velocity, and impact sensitivity depend heavily on the level of nitration.[2]
Synthesis
Nitrostarch is made by dissolving starch in red fuming nitric acid. It is then precipitated by adding the solution to concentrated sulfuric acid.[2]
Nitrostarch can be stabilized by refluxing it in ethanol to drive off the left over nitric acid.[2]
History
Nitrostarch was first discovered by French chemist and pharmacist Henri Braconnot.[3]
After stabilizers (such as ammonium oxalate) were devised in the early 1900s to prolong its shelf life, it was started to be used as an industrial explosive.[4]
During World War I, it was used as a filler in hand grenades.[5]