Lead styphnate

Lead styphnate (CAS 15245-44-0), also known as lead trinitroresorcinate, is a primary explosive compound used as an initiating agent in energetic systems.

Where is Lead styphnate used?

• Small arms and artillery ammunition: active initiating compound in primer compositions
• Mining and demolition detonators: primary charge
• Aerospace safety systems: specialty squib and initiator devices, including ejection seats and airbag inflators
• It converts a low-energy stimulus into a detonation signal.

Good to know: Reacts to friction, heat, or electrostatic discharge. Normal lead styphnate and basic lead styphnate are the two commercially recognized forms, each with distinct initiation characteristics suited to different primer formulations.

Commercial specifications

• Military specification grades
• Subject to strict regulatory controls governing quantity and packaging
• Shipments must comply with end-use authorization requirements