Explosive reactions of platinum-hydroxylamine compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-5088(91)90330-7

During handling of a reaction product of Pt(IV)-hydrochloric acid with hydroxylamine NH₂OH) a serious accident occurred in a precious metal plant. Investigations for the reason for this accident showed that, during reactions of Pt(II)/Pt(IV)-chlorocomplexes with hydroxylamine at pH-values greater than 7, precipitation products of various compositions can form. During small additions of hydroxylamine Pt-oxidehydrates, which built in NH₂OH form and with an excess of NH₂OH, well defined Pt(II)-hydroxylamine-complexes form. Above a critical concentration of NH₂OH all precipitation products were explosive. In addition to their tendency to explode, the composition of these products can vary strongly so extreme care during their handling has to be taken.