Formation of explosive compounds in acid-contaminated leaded rubber gloves Part I: theoretical analysis

The formation of explosive compounds has been reported in the chemical reaction system where leaded rubber gloves have been in contact with nitric acid. It is speculated that this explosive compound is lead fulminate. An extensive literature review does not show a clear picture regarding the formation of lead fulminate. On the other hand, a complex scenario in the reaction system can be justified which might lead to the formation of several organo-lead compounds that are explosive materials but do not have fulminate ions in their structure. The production of ‘lead fulminate’ by the reaction of leaded Neoprene rubber with nitric acid and its identification are technically difficult. Part I of this paper presents the theoretical analysis and suggests possible reaction products, and Part II of the work describes the experimental verification of the reaction system.