Gun-cotton is

Options

A. Nitrosucrose
B. Nitrocellulose
C. Nitroglucose
D. Nitropicrin

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Gun Cotton**: Gun cotton is a type of nitrocellulose. It is a highly flammable compound that is used as a propellant and explosive.

2. **Chemical Composition**: Nitrocellulose is formed by the nitration of cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. In the process, some of the hydroxyl groups (-OH) in cellulose are replaced by nitro groups (-NO2).

3. **Production Process**: The production of gun cotton involves treating cellulose with a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. This process introduces nitro groups into the cellulose structure, resulting in a compound that is more explosive than the original cellulose.

4. **Uses of Gun Cotton**: Gun cotton is primarily used in the manufacture of explosives and propellants. It is also used in the production of lacquers and films due to its film-forming properties.

5. **Safety Considerations**: Due to its highly explosive nature, gun cotton must be handled with care. It is sensitive to heat, friction, and shock, which can lead to detonation.