Can it react when containing some gunpowder? (5)
I believe the answer is:
nitre
'some gunpowder?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'can it react when containing' is the wordplay.
'containing' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'NITRE' is hidden within 'can it react when'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nitre that I've seen before include "safeguard against decay" , "explosive producer?" , "Chemical" , "Sodium nitrate" , "Inert kind of saltpetre" .)