Difference between revisions of "Trinitrotoluene"

Revision as of 22:59, 14 December 2018

Trinitrotoluene or TNT, or more specifically 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, is a chemical compound with the formula C₆H₂(NO₂)₃CH₃. TNT's most common use is that of an explosive material, with both military and (some) civilian applications. The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the standard measure of strength of explosive materials.

Properties

Chemical

TNT will burn if ignited, but requires a blasting cap to detonate it.

Physical

TNT is a yellowish solid, insoluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents.

Explosive

TNT is a relative insensitive explosive, with a RE factor of 1.00 and a detonation velocity of 6900 m/s.

Availability

Chemical suppliers do not sell bulk TNT, nor do they have it in their stock, they will however sell diluted TNT solutions, mainly for analysis. These however are not available to the amateur chemist, nor is it economical to purchase such materials in bulk.

Preparation

TNT can be prepared by nitrating toluene to mononitrotoluene, then dinitrotoluene and finally trinitrotoluene using a nitrating mixture. The synthesis process is fairly complex.

Projects

• Make blasting charge

Handling

Safety

TNT is extremely toxic. Exposure to TNT leads to the skin turning yellow, and people with such condition during WWI (women working in munitions factories) were nicknamed "canaries" or "canary girls".

Storage

TNT should be stored in closed containers, away from any source of hazard.

Disposal

TNT can be mixed with a flammable solvent and burned, or simply burned. Both methods yield lots of carbon monoxide, soot, VOCs, PAHs, other aromatics, etc. This must be done outside. Since the resulting smoke is harmful, it's best to use a special incinerator, equipped with an afterburner.

TNT can be safely neutralized with Fenton's reagent. Slowly adding drops of diluted solutions of TNT in Fenton's solution will limit the aerosolization of TNT and other byproducts from the oxidation. This process is best done in a well ventilated area or (preferably) outside. UV light will accelerate the reaction.^[1][2]

References

1. ↑ http://nmrlab.yo-que.ch/controversia/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=c2:l2:fenton-_explosivos.pdf
2. ↑ https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/jeq/abstracts/26/2/JEQ0260020480?access=0&view=pdf

Sciencemadness library

• TNT: Trinitrotoluenes and Mono- and Dinitrotoluenes, Their Manufacture and Properties, 1918, by G. Carlton Smith

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Trinitrotoluene preparation