Nitrostarch

Nitrostarch is a secondary explosive similar to nitrocellulose. Much like starch, it is made up of two components, nitrated amylose and nitrated amylopectin. Nitrated amylopectin generally has a greater solubility than amylose; however, it is less stable than nitrated amylose.

The solubility, detonation velocity, and impact sensitivity depend heavily on the level of nitration.

Synthesis
Nitrostarch is made by dissolving starch in red fuming nitric acid. It is then precipitated by adding the solution to concentrated sulfuric acid.

Nitrostarch can be stabilized by refluxing it in ethanol to drive off the left over nitric acid.

History
Nitrostarch was first discovered by French chemist and pharmacist Henri Braconnot.

In World War I, it was used as a filler in hand grenades.