DDNP is a primary explosive used in the fabrication of detonators (Section VI, No. 13). It is to be used with a booster explosive such as picric acid (Section I, No. 21) or RDX (Section I, No. 15).
MATERIAL REQUIRED:
- Picric acid
- Flowers of sulfur
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- Sulfuric acid, diluted
- Potassium or sodium nitrite
- Water
- 2 glass cups, heat resistant, (Pyrex)
- Stirring rod (glass or wood)
- Improvised scale
- Paper towels
- Teaspoon
- Tablespoon
- Eyedropper
- Heat source
- Containers
- Tape
SOURCES:
- Section I, No. 21
- Motor vehicle batteries
- Section I, No. 18
- Section VII, No. 8
PROCEDURE:
1. In one of the glass cups, mix 1/2 gram of lye with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of warm water.
2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon (3 grams) of picric acid in the water-lye solution. Store until ready for step 5.
3. Place 1/4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) of water in the other glass cup, Add 1/2 teaspoon (2-1/2 grams) of sulfur and 1/3 teaspoon (2-1/2 grams) of lye to the water.
4. Boil solution over heat source until color turns dark red. Remove and allow solution to cool.
5. In three portions, add this sulfur-lye solution to the picric acid-lye solution (Step 2); stir while pouring. Allow mixture to cool.
6. Filter the mixture through a paper towel into a container. Small red particles will collect on the paper. Discard the liquid in the container.
7. Dissolve the red particles in 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of boiling water.
8. Remove and filter the mixture through a paper towel as in step 6. Discard the particles left on the paper.
9. Using an eyedropper, slowly add the sulfuric acid to the filtered solution until it turns orange-brown.
10. Add 1/2 teaspoon (2-1/2 grams) more of sulfuric acid to the solution. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
11. In a separate container, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon (1.8 grams) of potassium or sodium nitrite in 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) of water.
12. Add this solution in one portion, while stirring, to the orange-brown solution. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes. The mixture will turn light brown.
CAUTION: At this point the mixture is a primary explosive. Keep away from flame.
13. Filter the mixture through a paper towel. Wash the particles left on the paper with 4 teaspoons (20 milliliters) of water.
14. Allow the particles to dry (approx. 16 hours).
CAUTION: Explosive is shock and flame sensitive. Store explosive in a capped container.