cellulose nitrate

Series of esters of cellulose with up to three nitrate (NO₃) groups per monosaccharide unit. It is made by the action of concentrated nitric acid on cellulose (for example, cotton waste) in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid. Fully nitrated cellulose (gun cotton) is explosive, but esters with fewer nitrate groups were once used in making lacquers, rayon, and plastics, such as coloured and photographic film, until replaced by the nonflammable cellulose acetate. Celluloid is based on cellulose nitrate.