Fulminates. This term is applied to a class of salts having the same percentage composition as the cyanates (see CYANOGEN), but, unlike them, exploding violently when heated or struck. Like Gun-cotton (q.v.) and Dynamite (q.v.) these salts contain the group of atoms represented by the formula , and which seems to confer explosive properties in so many cases. There are many fulminates corresponding to the different metals, but it will suffice if attention is drawn to fulminating mercury and silver. Fulminating mercury is prepared by heating mercury with alcohol and nitric acid, and after purification it is obtained in white silky crystals, which have a sweetish taste and are soluble in water. When moist these crystals may be handled without risk of explosion, but when dry they detonate violently on being struck or when a spark falls on them. This salt is largely used in the manufacture of percussion caps, for which purpose it is mixed with nitre, sulphur, &c. Fulminating silver is prepared by heating a solution of nitrate of silver with nitric acid and alcohol. It forms small white needles having a bitter taste and poisonous properties. It explodes more readily than the mercury salt, and the greatest care is requisite in its manufacture. It is used in making crackers and other detonating toys.
The fulminates should never be prepared by amateurs, as accidents very readily occur.