Dinitrophenol - 2 - 4-Dinitrophenol - Dnp
A potent nonselective uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation that is not only effective when ingested, but can also be absorbed through the skin. It is used industrially as a wood preservative, in the production of explosives, and as an ingredient in insecticides. It is extremely flammable or explosive when dry. Its use as a weight loss aid dates back to the 1920's, but side effects such as lethargy, malaise, death, and bad breath soon caused the medical establishment to discontinue its use. Reintroduced to the public as a weight loss technique by the late Dan Duchaine, the small therapeutic range (the difference between the effective dose and the lethal dose) and serious side effects have continued to discourage its use.
see also the Misc.Fitness.Weights FAQ: DNP