Making Aspirin into Picric Acid (TNP)

In this video I synthesize the explosive compound picric acid or trinitrophenol from plain aspirin. PLEASE READ: I do not recommend anyone but trained professionals attempt this process due to several significant hazards associated with the synthesis and storage of this chemical. In this video (especially near the end) I made a few dry jokes downplaying the dangers associated with this chemical. These jokes were excessively dry and upon rewatching my own video I see how they could be easily taken as serious notes on the process. That said, I just want to be clear that this is chemical has the potential to be VERY hazardous. I intentionally made a very small amount, but with compounds that can potentially undergo rapid decomposition, safety is a very fine line. Just a few grams more than I made could be the difference between a loud pop and some broken glass, and something that could cause severe injury. Also keep in mind that metal picrate formation is only really a concern during storage (the small