| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChemSpider | |
| 239442 | |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| CNO− | |
| Molar mass | 42.018 g·mol−1 |
| Conjugate acid | Fulminic acid |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Fulminates arechemical compounds which include the fulminateion (CNO−, C−≡N+−O−). The fulminate ion is apseudohalic ion because its charge andreactivity are similar to those of thehalogens. The name is derived from the Latinfulminātus, meaning to explode like lightning, and reflects that fulminatesalts are friction-sensitiveexplosives due to the instability of the ion. The best known ismercury(II) fulminate, which has been used as aprimary explosive indetonators. Fulminates can be formed from metals, such assilver andmercury, dissolved in nitric acid, and reacted withethanol. The weak single nitrogen-oxygen bond is responsible for their instability. Nitrogen very easily forms a stabletriple bond to another nitrogen atom, forming nitrogen gas.
Fulminates were discovered byEdward Charles Howard in 1800.[1][2][3] The use of fulminates for firearms was first demonstrated by a Scottish minister,Alexander John Forsyth, who patented his scent-bottle lock in 1807; this was a small container filled withfulminate of mercury.[4][5] Joshua Shaw determined how to encapsulate them in metal to form apercussion cap, but did not patent his invention until 1822.[citation needed]
In the 1820s, the organic chemistJustus Liebig discoveredsilver fulminate (AgCNO) andFriedrich Wöhler discoveredsilver cyanate (AgOCN). They have different properties but the samechemical composition, which led to a bitter dispute finally resolved byJöns Jakob Berzelius through the concept ofisomers.[6]
