Nitrostarch,dry or wetted with less than 20% water,by mass

Chemistry informtion about Nitrostarch (CAS NO.9056-38-6) is:
Synonyms: Nitrostarch,Dry Or Wetted With Less Than 20% Water,By Mass;Nitrostarch;Starch, Nitrate.;Nitrostarch, Dry

Nitrostarch was invented by H. Barconnot in 1833.

In World War I, Nitrostarch (CAS NO.9056-38-6) was used as a filler in hand grenades.

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat, flame, shock, or oxidizers. It is a powerful high explosive. Nitrostarch is not a definite compound, but a mixture of various nitric acid esters of starch with different degrees of nitration. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NO_x. See also NITRO COMPOUNDS. 
RIDADR: 0146
HazardClass: 1.1D
PackingGroup: II

DOT Classification:  EXPLOSIVE 1.1D; Label: EXPLOSIVE 1.1D (UN 0146); DOT Class: 4.1; Label: Flammable Solid (UN 1337)

To synthesize Nitrostarch (CAS NO.9056-38-6), a mixture of 65mL Sulphuric Acid(98%) and 35mL Nitric Acid(68%) are mixed in a glass beaker and cooled to 10c. After cooling, 18cc of starch are slowly added to the acid mixture. After the starch has dissolved, the mixture is heated to 40c for one and a half hours and is stirred occasionally. The mixture will precipitate a white powder. The white powder is Nitrostarch.

 Nitrostarch (CAS NO.9056-38-6) is a secondary explosive similar to nitrocellulose made by the nitration of starch by a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. It is an orange crystalline slurry or sludge and easily ignited, burns vigorously,also it is explosive when dry. It reactions highly flammable and insoluble in water. Nitroalkanes, such as Nitrostarch, 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.Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.