What Is Trinitrotoluene (TNT)?
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an organic compound consisting of three nitro groups bonded to toluene. Its chemical formula is C6H2(NO2)3CH3.
It has six isomers but refers to 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is produced by nitration of toluene with concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
TNT was widely used during World War I due to its explosive properties under heat and friction. Since then, it has been widely used in military and civilian applications.
Uses of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is mainly used as an explosive and gunpowder. It is sometimes used not only as a weapon but also as an industrial explosive when mixed with ammonium nitrate.
Due to its widespread use as an explosive and gunpowder, the unit of measure for the power of a nuclear bomb is the total amount of TNT. Other uses include fireworks, signal bombs, and rocket propellants.
Properties of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
TNT has a molecular weight of 227.13 and is represented by CAS No. 118-96-7.
1. Physical Properties
TNT is a colorless to yellow, odorless, individual (20°C, 1 atm), flammable, and highly explosive organic compound.
It has a melting point of 80.1°C, a boiling point, a first distillation point, a boiling range of 240°C (explosive), and a decomposition temperature of 240°C (explosive). It also has a pH of 5.8 (127 mg/L at 20°C), a density and/or relative density of 1.65 g/cm3, and a vapor pressure of 8.02E-006 mmHg (25°C).
2. Chemical Properties
Solubility in water is 115 mg/L (23°C), very soluble in benzene and pyridine, soluble in ether, and slightly soluble in ethanol. There is a risk of explosive decomposition when subjected to impact, friction, or vibration, and heating will produce toxic fumes (fine particles formed by condensation of vapors from chemical reactions, combustion, distillation, etc.).
Care must be taken when handling to avoid heating, friction, and vibration. In addition, because of its nitro group, it has strong oxidizing agent properties.
Other Information on Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
1. Safety of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
TNT is a mass explosion hazardous explosive. Rapid heating or strong shock may cause fire and explosion hazards. In case of a large fire, evacuation is necessary without extinguishing the fire.
If swallowed, TNT is harmful to the human body, causes skin irritation, and may cause allergic dermatitis. There is also a risk of strong eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, carcinogenesis, and blood system damage.
Long-term or repeated exposure may cause damage to the eyes, nervous system, cardiovascular system, blood system, hematopoietic system, and liver. It is also highly toxic to aquatic organisms and is highly toxic due to long-term continuous effects.
2. Handling Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Wear appropriate protective gloves, protective clothing, protective glasses, protective masks, and appropriate respiratory protection for the situation. The use of chemical protective clothing with a self-contained breathing apparatus is recommended when handling leaks.
Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Containers should be grounded and earthed at all times, and care should be taken to avoid handling such as crushing, impact, or friction. Also, work to avoid inhalation of dust, fumes, gases, mists, vapors, and sprays.
After handling, take off contaminated clothing, wash it, and do not take it outside the work area. Wash hands thoroughly to avoid contact with the body.
3. Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Storage
Store in a well-ventilated area with the container tightly closed and locked. Storage must be per national or local regulations.
If drying increases the hazard, moisten the container with an appropriate substance. Ground and earth the container.
Containers must be used and stored as specified in local laws and the UN Recommendations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
4. History of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Similar to TNT is picric acid (trinitrophenol), which was the main explosive used before the development of TNT.
TNT has replaced picric acid as the primary explosive because it does not react with metals and is more stable than picric acid.