Tetryl

Tetryl

Tetryl sample
Names
IUPAC name 2,4,6-Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine
Preferred IUPAC name N-Methyl-N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)nitramide
Other names N-Methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline N-Methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitrophenyl-1-amine N-Methyl-N-picrylnitramine N-Picryl-N-methylnitramine Nitramine Tetralite Tetril
Properties
Chemical formula	C7H5N5O8
Molar mass	287.14 g/mol
Appearance	Yellow crystalline solid
Odor	Odorless
Density	1.73 g/cm3
Melting point	129.5 °C (265.1 °F; 402.6 K)
Boiling point	187 °C (369 °F; 460 K) (decomposition)
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Solubility	Soluble in glacial acetic acid, acetone, benzene, diethyl ether,
Vapor pressure	<1 mmHg (20 °C)
Thermochemistry
Hazards
Safety data sheet	CPCB
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Tetryl (IUPAC: 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine) is an explosive compound used to make detonators and explosive booster charges. It has the chemical formula C₇H₅N₅O₈.

Properties

Chemical

Tetryl burns when ignited, giving off black smoke.

Physical

Tetryl is a yellow solid, insoluble in water.

Explosive

Tetryl explodes when subjected to strong heating. Its detonation velocity is 7,570 m/s. It has a R.E. factor of 1.25.

Availability

Tetryl is sold as detonators. Purchase requires an explosive permit.

Preparation

Tetryl can be made by adding dimethylaniline to a mixture of conc. nitric acid and sulfuric acid under controlled conditions.

Projects

• Make detonators

Handling

Safety

Tetryl is toxic and explosive. Should be handled with care and proper protection.

Storage

Should be stored for short periods of time, in spark-free containers.

Disposal

Can be destroyed via controlled incineration.

Another method involves the slow and controlled addition in Fenton's reagent.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• TETRYL