ēn), CH3C6H2(NO2)3, crystalline, aromatic compound that melts at 81°C;. It is prepared by the nitration of toluene. Trinitrotoluene is a high explosive explosive, substance that undergoes decomposition or combustion with great rapidity, evolving much heat and producing a large volume of gas. The reaction products fill a much greater volume than that occupied by the original material and exert an enormous pressure,..... Click the link for more information. , but, unlike nitroglycerin, it is unaffected by ordinary shocks and jarring, and must be set off by a detonator detonator , type of explosive that reacts with great rapidity and is used to set off other, more inert explosives. Fulminate of mercury mixed with potassium chlorate is a commonly used detonator.
..... Click the link for more information. . Because it does not react with metals, it can be used in filling metal shells. It is often mixed with other explosives, e.g., with ammonium nitrate to form amatol.
TNT
in full trinitrotoluenePale yellow, solid organic compound made by adding nitrate (−NO2) groups to toluene. Because TNT melts below the boiling point of water but explodes only above 464 °F (240 °C), it can safely be melted and poured into casings. It is relatively insensitive to shock and, for practical purposes, cannot be exploded without a detonator, making it the preferred chemical explosive, used in munitions and for demolition.
Trinitrotoluene
(TNT; also trotyl or tolite), a high explosive; a crystalline substance that yellows during storage (the industrial product is yellow). Readily soluble in acetone and benzene; poorly soluble in water (0.013 g trinitrotoluene dissolves in 100 milliliters water at 20°C). Solidification point, 80.85°C; density, about 1.600 g/cm3; bulk density, 0.9 g/cm3.
Trinitrotoluene is chemically stable and may be stored for prolonged periods without decomposition, with retention of explosive properties. Under the action of bases, intensely colored complexes are formed, and under the action of alkali bases, readily explosive, unstable derivatives (trotylates) are formed. The explosive properties of trinitrotoluene are as follows: heat of explosion, 4,190 kilojoules per kg. or 1,000 kilocalories per kg, for a density of 1.5 g/cm3; volume of gaseous explosive products, 730 //kg; maximum rate of detonation, 7,000 m/sec; flash point, 290°C. Upon explosion of trinitrotoluene, a large quantity of toxic carbon monoxide is formed.
Trinitrotoluene is produced by the nitration of toluene using a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids, with subsequent washing with an aqueous solution of sodium sulfite. It is used for ammunition charges and for blasting, both in pure form and in mixtures—for example, with ammonium nitrate (ammonia explosives, ammonals, and ammatols) or with aluminum (Tritonal).
REFERENCE
Orlova, E. Iu. Khimiia i tekhnologiia brizantnykh vzryvchatykh veshchestv, 2nd ed. Leningrad, 1973.V. L. ZBARSKII
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