Nitrocellulose Synthesis

Reupload from my tik-tok #science #chemistry #color #acid

Note: The nitrocellulose here is not pure. If it isn't obvious, I tend to focus on general procedure and the science of what is going on rather than purity of the final product in these short-form videos I do. I do intend to eventually make longer form videos that place greater emphasis on the chemical mechanisms as well as purification steps, but for now I'm having fun just learning all these general procedures.
In any case, to achieve high-purity nitrocellulose that will burn nearly instantly and leave no ash, you'd need to do either a much longer nitration, or a second nitration of the dry product seen here.
Also, note that instead of 98% nitric acid and 67% sulfuric, you can use 67% nitric and 98% sulfuric. The only difference is that with 98% sulfuric acid, care must be taken to keep the reaction temperature low or the cellulose will dissolve.