"Dinitro acid" is not a specific compound but rather a general term that refers to organic compounds containing two nitro groups (-NO2) and at least one carboxylic acid group (-COOH). These compounds are characterized by their strong acidic properties and the presence of two nitro groups attached to a carbon chain.

Dinitro acids are often used as powerful explosives, propellants, or intermediates in the synthesis of explosives. Their explosive nature is attributed to the presence of the highly reactive nitro groups, which can release a large amount of energy upon detonation.

One example of a dinitro acid is dinitrobenzoic acid (DNBA), which has the chemical formula C7H5N2O6. DNBA is a yellow crystalline solid and is primarily used in the production of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceutical intermediates.