The constitution of fulminic acid has been investigated by many experimenters, but apparently without definitive results.
When Wohler, in 1825, analysed his cyanic acid, and Liebig his quite different fulminic acid in 1824, the composition of both compounds proved to be absolutely the same, containing each in round numbers 28% of carbon, 33% of nitrogen, 37% of oxygen and 2% of hydrogen.
Among his research work of this period may be mentioned the improvements in organic analysis and the investigation of fulminic acid made with the help of Liebig, who, gained the privilege of admission to his private laboratory in 1823-1824.
There is some doubt as to the molecular formula of fulminic acid.
It is to be distinguished from silver fulminate (see Fulminic Acid).
