It is almost insoluble in water, and is insoluble in denatured alcohol
and ether.
It is a white solid which can be dried and kept without apparent
decomposition; it gradually turns pink when exposed to the light
for several days, so is kept in a brown bottle if not required for
immediate use. It does not explode when struck with a hammer, but
deflagrates violently if a flame is brought near or if heated on
porcelain.