Misplaced Pages

TNT: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively
Page 1
Page 2
← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 08:34, 3 November 2011 editBeetstra (talk | contribs)Edit filter managers, Administrators172,031 edits Script assisted update of identifiers for the Chem/Drugbox validation project (updated: 'ChemSpiderID', 'ChEMBL', 'KEGG').← Previous edit Latest revision as of 06:29, 18 December 2024 edit undoPEPSI697 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers11,607 edits Reverted 1 edit by 202.189.170.27 (talk): Non constructive editTags: Twinkle Undo Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit Disambiguation links added 
(849 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Impact-resistant high explosive}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc}}
{{Other uses}}
{{chembox {{chembox
| Name = 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
| verifiedrevid = 400098684
| Verifiedfields = changed
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 458775807
| ImageFileL1 = Trinitrotoluene.svg | ImageFileL1 = Trinitrotoluene.svg
| ImageSizeL1 = 120px
| ImageFileR1 = TNT-from-xtal-1982-3D-balls.png | ImageFileR1 = TNT-from-xtal-1982-3D-balls.png
| ImageFile2 = TNT Crystals2.jpg
| ImageSizeR1 = 120px
| ImageSize2 =
| IUPACName = 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene
| ImageAlt2 = solid trinitrotoluene
| OtherNames = 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene,<br>TNT, Trilite, Tolite, Trinol, Trotyl, Tritolo, Tritolol, Triton, Tritone, Trotol, Trinitrotoluol,<br>2,4,6-Trinitromethylbenzene
| PIN = 2-Methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene<ref name="IUPAC">{{cite web | url=https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/8376#section=IUPAC-Name | title=Trinitrotoluene }}</ref>
| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
| OtherNames = {{ubl|Trinitrotoluene|2,4,6-Trinitromethylbenzene|2,4,6-Trinitrotoluol|TNT, Tolite, Trilite, Trinitrotoluol, Trinol, Tritolo, Tritolol, Triton, Tritone, Trotil, Trotol, Trotyl}}
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
| Abbreviations = TNT | Abbreviations = TNT
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}} | ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|changed|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = 11270 | ChemSpiderID = 8073
| ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|changed|EBI}}
| ChEMBL = <!-- blanked - oldvalue: 1236345 -->
| ChEMBL = 1236345
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}} | UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = H43RF5TRM5 | UNII = H43RF5TRM5
Line 17: Line 25:
| InChIKey1 = FPKOPBFLPLFWAD-UHFFFAOYAR | InChIKey1 = FPKOPBFLPLFWAD-UHFFFAOYAR
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}} | CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| CASNo = 118-96-7 | CASNo = 118-96-7
| UNNumber = ] – ''Dry or wetted with < 30% water''<br/>] – ''Mixtures with trinitrobenzene, hexanitrostilbene'' | UNNumber = ] – ''Dry or wetted with < 30% water''<br />] – ''Mixtures with trinitrobenzene, hexanitrostilbene''
| EINECS = 204-289-6 | EINECS = 204-289-6
| PubChem = 11763 | PubChem = 8376
| DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| DrugBank = DB01676 | DrugBank = DB01676
| StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|changed|chemspider}}
| StdInChI = 1S/C7H5N3O6/c1-4-2-3-5(8(11)12)7(10(15)16)6(4)9(13)14/h2-3H,1H3
| StdInChI = 1S/C7H5N3O6/c1-4-6(9(13)14)2-5(8(11)12)3-7(4)10(15)16/h2-3H,1H3
| StdInChIKey = FPKOPBFLPLFWAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|changed|chemspider}}
| SMILES = O=()c1c(c(ccc1C)()=O)()=O
| StdInChIKey = SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| InChI =
| SMILES = Cc1c(cc(cc1(=O))(=O))(=O)
| RTECS =
| InChI = 1/C7H5N3O6/c1-4-6(9(13)14)2-5(8(11)12)3-7(4)10(15)16/h2-3H,1H3
| RTECS = XU0175000
| MeSHName = | MeSHName =
| ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEBI = | ChEBI =
| KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}} | KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|changed|kegg}}
| KEGG = <!-- blanked - oldvalue: C16391 --> | KEGG = C16391
}}
| ATCCode_prefix =
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
| ATCCode_suffix =
| C=7 | H=5 | N=3 | O=6
| ATC_Supplemental =}}
| Appearance = Pale yellow solid. Loose "needles", flakes or ]s before melt-]. A solid block after being poured into a casing.
| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
| Formula = C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>
| MolarMass = 227.13 g/mol
| Appearance = Pale yellow. Loose "needles", flakes or ]s before melt-]. A solid block after being poured into a casing.
| Density = 1.654 g/cm<sup>3</sup> | Density = 1.654 g/cm<sup>3</sup>
| MeltingPt = 80.35 °C | MeltingPtC = 80.35
| Melting_notes = | MeltingPt_notes =
| BoilingPt = 295 °C | BoilingPtC = 240.0
| BoilingPt_notes = (decomposes)<ref>. inchem.org{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref>
| Boiling_notes = decomposition
| Solubility = 0.13 g/L (20 °C) | Solubility = 0.13 g/L (20 °C)
| SolubleOther = soluble | SolubleOther = soluble
| Solvent = ], ], ], ] | Solvent = ], ], ], ]
| pKa = | pKa =
| pKb = }} | pKb =
| VaporPressure = 0.0002 mmHg (20°C)<ref name=PGCH/>
| Section6 = {{Chembox Explosive
}}
|Section4={{Chembox Explosive
| ShockSens = Insensitive | ShockSens = Insensitive
| FrictionSens = Insensitive to 353 N | FrictionSens = Insensitive to 353 N
| ExplosiveV = 6900 m/s | DetonationV = 6900 m/s
| REFactor = 1.00 | REFactor = 1.00
}} }}
| Section7 = {{Chembox Hazards |Section7={{Chembox Hazards
| ExternalMSDS = | ExternalSDS =
| EUClass = Explosive ('''E''')<br/>Toxic ('''T''')<br/>Dangerous for the environment ('''N''')
| EUIndex = 609-008-00-4
| NFPA-H = 2 | NFPA-H = 2
| NFPA-F = 4 | NFPA-F = 1
| NFPA-R = 4 | NFPA-R = 4
| NFPA-O = | NFPA-S =
| RPhrases = {{R2}}, {{R23/24/25}}, {{R33}}, {{R51/53}} | GHSPictograms = {{GHS exploding bomb}} {{GHS skull and crossbones}} {{GHS health hazard}} {{GHS environment}}
| GHSSignalWord = '''DANGER'''
| SPhrases = {{S1/2}}, {{S35}}, {{S45}}, {{S61}}
| HPhrases = {{H-phrases|201|301|311|331|373|411}}
| FlashPt =
| PPhrases = {{P-phrases|210|273|309+311|370+380|373|501}}
| Autoignition =
| FlashPtC =
| AutoignitionPtC =
| ExploLimits = | ExploLimits =
| PEL = TWA 1.5 mg/m<sup>3</sup> <ref name=PGCH/>
| PEL = }}
| IDLH = 500 mg/m<sup>3</sup><ref name=PGCH>{{PGCH|0641}}</ref>
| Section8 = {{Chembox Related
| REL = TWA 0.5 mg/m<sup>3</sup> <ref name=PGCH/>
| OtherCpds = ]<br>]<br>]}}
| LD50 = 795 mg/kg (rat, oral)<br />660 mg/kg (mouse, oral)<ref name=IDLH>{{IDLH|118967|2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene}}</ref>
| LDLo = 500 mg/kg (rabbit, oral)<br />1850 mg/kg (cat, oral)<ref name=IDLH/>
}} }}
|Section8={{Chembox Related
'''Trinitrotoluene''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˌ|t|r|aɪ|n|aɪ|t|r|ɵ|ˈ|t|ɒ|l|jʉ|.|iː|n}}; '''TNT'''), or more specifically, '''2,4,6-trinitrotoluene''', is a ] with the formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2</sub>(NO<sub>2</sub>)<sub>3</sub>CH<sub>3</sub>. This yellow-colored solid is sometimes used as a ] in chemical synthesis, but it is best known as a useful ] with convenient handling properties. The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the ] of ] and other ]. In chemistry, TNT is used to generate ].
| OtherCompounds = ]<br />]<br />]}}
|Section6={{Chembox Pharmacology
| ATCCode_prefix =
| ATCCode_suffix =
| ATC_Supplemental =
}}
}}

'''Trinitrotoluene''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|t|r|aɪ|ˌ|n|aɪ|t|r|oʊ|ˈ|t|ɒ|lj|u|iː|n}}),{{refn|{{MerriamWebsterDictionary|Trinitrotoluene}}}}{{refn|{{Dictionary.com|Trinitrotoluene,}}}} more commonly known as '''TNT''' (and more specifically '''2,4,6-trinitrotoluene''', and by its preferred ] name '''2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene'''),<ref name="IUPAC"/> is a ] with the formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2</sub>(NO<sub>2</sub>)<sub>3</sub>CH<sub>3</sub>. TNT is occasionally used as a ] in ], but it is best known as an ] with convenient handling properties. The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the ] of ]s and asteroid impacts. In ], TNT is used to generate ].

== History ==
TNT was first synthesized in 1861 by German ] ]<ref>{{cite journal|year=1861|title=Notiz über Trinitrotoluol|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qmgTAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA178|journal=]|volume=128|issue=2|pages=178–179|doi=10.1002/jlac.18631280206|author=Wilbrand, J.}}</ref> and was originally used as a yellow dye. Its potential as an explosive was not recognized for three decades, mainly because it was so much less sensitive than other explosives known at the time. Its explosive properties were discovered in 1891 by another German chemist, Carl Häussermann.<ref>{{cite book|author=Peter O. K. Krehl|title=History of Shock Waves, Explosions and Impact: A Chronological and Biographical Reference|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PmuqCHDC3pwC&pg=PA404|year=2008|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-540-30421-0|page=404}}</ref> TNT can be safely poured when liquid into shell cases, and is so insensitive that in 1910 it was exempted from the UK's ] and was not considered an explosive for the purposes of manufacture and storage.<ref name="brown">{{Cite book|title=The Big Bang: a History of Explosives|publisher=Sutton Publishing|year=1998|isbn=978-0-7509-1878-7|pages=|author=Brown GI|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bigbanghistoryof00brow/page/151}}</ref>

The German armed forces adopted it as a filling for ] ] in 1902. TNT-filled ] shells would explode after they had penetrated the armour of British ]s, whereas the British ]-filled shells tended to explode upon striking armour, thus expending much of their energy outside the ship.<ref name="brown"/> The British started replacing Lyddite with TNT in 1907.<ref>{{cite book |title=Arrows to Atom Bombs: A History of the Ordnance Board |author1=Norman Skentelbery |edition=2nd |publisher=Ordnance Board |year=1975 |page=99 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ySQGAAAAMAAJ}}</ref>

The ] continued filling ] shells with ] after some other nations had switched to TNT, but began filling ]s, ]s, ]s, and ] warheads with burster charges of crude grade B TNT with the color of brown sugar and requiring an ] charge of granular crystallized grade A TNT for detonation. High-explosive shells were filled with grade A TNT, which became preferred for other uses as industrial chemical capacity became available for removing ] and similar ]s from the toluene feedstock and other ] ] byproducts from the nitrating reactions.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Naval Ordnance|publisher=Lord Baltimore Press|year=1921|pages=49–52|author=Fairfield AP}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Trinitrotoluen.JPG|Chunks of explosives-grade TNT
File:Tání TNT při 81 °C.JPG|Trinitrotoluene melting at {{convert|81|C|F}}
File:11th_Marine_Regiment_Desert_Fire_Exercise_130423-M-VH365-119.jpg|] artillery shells with ]s fitted, labelled to indicate a filling of TNT
Image:USMC-100414-M-5241M-001.jpg|] artillery shells. All are labelled to indicate a filling of "]" (mixture of TNT and ]) and have ]s fitted
File:X4_RAK_ammo.jpg|A group of ] mortar shells. The dark green shells on the left are stencilled to indicate a filling of TNT
File:TNT Allocations Germany.gif|Analysis of TNT production by branch of the German armed forces between 1941 and the first quarter of 1944, shown in thousands of tons per month
File:TNT detonation on Kaho'olawe Island during Operation Sailor Hat, shot Bravo, 1965.jpg|] of the 500-ton TNT explosive charge as part of ] in 1965. The passing blast-wave left a white water surface behind and a white ] is visible overhead.
</gallery>

== Preparation ==
In industry, TNT is produced in a three-step process. First, ] is ] with a mixture of ] and ] to produce ] (MNT). The MNT is separated and then renitrated to ] (DNT). In the final step, the DNT is nitrated to trinitrotoluene (TNT) using an ] mixture of nitric acid and ]. Nitric acid is consumed by the manufacturing process, but the diluted sulfuric acid can be reconcentrated and reused.


After nitration, TNT can either be purified by crystallization from an organic solvent or stabilized by a process called sulfitation, where the crude TNT is treated with aqueous ] solution to remove less stable isomers of TNT and other undesired reaction products. The rinse water from sulfitation is known as ] and is a significant pollutant and waste product of TNT manufacture.<ref>{{cite book|title=Chemistry and Technology of Explosives|publisher=Pergamon Press|year=1964|isbn=978-0-08-010238-2|volume=1|pages=389–91|author=Urbanski T}}
==Preparation==
]
In industry, TNT is produced in a three-step process. First, ] is ] with a mixture of ] and ] to produce ] or MNT. The MNT is separated and then renitrated to ] or DNT. In the final step, the DNT is nitrated to trinitrotoluene or TNT using an ] mixture of nitric acid and ]. Nitric acid is consumed by the manufacturing process, but the diluted sulfuric acid can be reconcentrated and reused. Subsequent to nitration, TNT is stabilized by a process called sulphitation, where the crude TNT is treated with aqueous sodium sulfite solution in order to remove less stable isomers of TNT and other undesired reaction products. The rinse water from sulphitation is known as ] and is a significant pollutant and waste product of TNT manufacture.<ref>{{cite book | last = Urbanski | first = Tadeusz | title = Chemistry and Technology of Explosives | volume = 1 | publisher = Pergamon Press | year= 1964 | isbn = 0-0801-0238-7 | pages = 389–91}}
</ref> </ref>


Control of ]s in feed nitric acid is very important because free ] can result in oxidation of the methyl group of toluene. This reaction is highly exothermic and carries with it the risk of a runaway reaction leading to an explosion. Control of ]s in feed nitric acid is very important because free ] can result in oxidation of the methyl group of toluene. This reaction is highly ] and carries with it the risk of a runaway reaction leading to an explosion.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}


In the laboratory, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is produced by a two step process. A nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids is used to nitrate toluene to a mixture of mono- and di-nitrotoluene isomers, with cooling to maintain careful temperature control. The nitrated toluenes are separated, washed with dilute ] to remove oxides of nitrogen, and then carefully nitrated with a mixture of ] and sulfuric acid. Towards the end of the nitration, the mixture is heated on a steam bath. The trinitrotoluene is separated, washed with a dilute solution of ] and then ] from alcohol. In the laboratory, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is produced by a two-step process. A nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids is used to nitrate toluene to a mixture of mono- and di-nitrotoluene isomers, with careful cooling to maintain temperature. The nitrated toluenes are then separated, washed with dilute ] to remove oxides of nitrogen, and then carefully nitrated with a mixture of ] and sulfuric acid.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}


==Applications== == Applications ==
TNT is one of the most commonly used explosives for military, industrial, and mining applications. TNT has been used in conjunction with ] (popularly known as fracking), a process used to acquire oil and gas from shale formations. The technique involves displacing and detonating ] in hydraulically induced fractures followed by wellbore shots using pelletized TNT.<ref name="recovery">{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=J. S.|last2=Johansen|first2=R. T.|date=1976|title=Fracturing Oil Shale with Explosives for In Situ Recovery.|journal=Shale Oil, Tar Sand and Related Fuel Sources|pages=151|url=https://web.anl.gov/PCS/acsfuel/preprint%20archive/Files/19_2_LOS%20ANGELES_04-74__0060.pdf|access-date=27 March 2015|bibcode=1976sots.rept...98M|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002204137/https://web.anl.gov/PCS/acsfuel/preprint%20archive/Files/19_2_LOS%20ANGELES_04-74__0060.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
TNT is one of the most commonly used explosives for military and industrial applications. It is valued partly because of its insensitivity to shock and friction, which reduces the risk of accidental ], compared to other more sensitive high explosives such as ]. TNT melts at 80 °C (176 °F), far below the temperature at which it will spontaneously detonate, allowing it to be poured as well as safely combined with other explosives. TNT neither absorbs nor dissolves in water, which allows it to be used effectively in wet environments. Additionally, it is stable compared to other high explosives.


TNT is valued partly because of its insensitivity to shock and friction, with reduced risk of accidental ] compared to more sensitive explosives such as ]. TNT melts at 80&nbsp;°C (176&nbsp;°F), far below the temperature at which it will spontaneously detonate, allowing it to be poured or safely combined with other explosives. TNT neither absorbs nor dissolves in water, which allows it to be used effectively in wet environments. To detonate, TNT must be triggered by a pressure wave from a starter explosive, called an ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TNT |url=https://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/vchemlib/mim/bristol/tnt/tnt_text.htm |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=www.ch.ic.ac.uk}}</ref>
Although blocks of TNT are available in various sizes (e.g. 250 g, 500 g, 1,000 g ), it is more commonly encountered in ] explosive blends comprising a variable percentage of TNT plus other ingredients. Examples of explosive blends containing TNT include:


Although blocks of TNT are available in various sizes (e.g. 250&nbsp;g, 500&nbsp;g, 1,000&nbsp;g), it is more commonly encountered in ] explosive blends comprising a variable percentage of TNT plus other ingredients. Examples of explosive blends containing TNT include:
* ]
* ] (] and ])<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-85177-329-2 | page = 100 | author = Campbell J | year = 1985 | publisher = Conway Maritime Press | location = London | title = Naval weapons of World War Two}}</ref>
* ]
* ] (ammonium nitrate<ref>{{cite book | location = Washington, D.C. | title = U.S. Explosive Ordnance, Bureau of Ordnance | year = 1947 | publisher = U.S. Department of the Navy | url = http://www.maritime.org/doc/ordnance/index.htm | pages = 580 }}</ref>)
* ]
* ] * ] (] and wax{{cn|date=April 2023}})
* ] * ] (RDX and paraffin wax<ref>Military Specification MIL-C-401</ref>)
* ] * ]
* ] (RDX)<ref>{{cite book |author = Cooper PW | year = 1996 | title = Explosives Engineering | publisher = Wiley-VCH | isbn = 978-0-471-18636-6}}</ref>
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]{{cn|date=April 2023}} (]<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130102095230/http://www.dutchsubmarines.com/specials/special_torpedoes_mines.htm |date=2013-01-02 }} Retrieved 2011-12-02</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510223600/http://www.scribd.com/doc/39682972/Encyclopedia-of-Explosives-A-Compilation-of-Principal-Explosives-Their-Characteristics-Processes-of-Manufacture-And-Uses-USA-1960 |date=2013-05-10 }} Retrieved 2011-12-02</ref>)
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
Line 104: Line 144:
* ] * ]


==Explosive character== == Explosive character ==
Upon ], TNT undergoes a decomposition equivalent to the reaction
It is a common ] that TNT and ] are the same, or that dynamite contains TNT. In fact, whereas TNT is a specific chemical compound, dynamite is an absorbent mixture soaked in ] that is compressed into a cylindrical shape and wrapped in paper.
: 2 C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> → 3 N<sub>2</sub> + 5 H<sub>2</sub> + 12 CO + 2 C
plus some of the reactions
: {{chem|H|2}} + CO → {{chem|H|2|O}} + C
and
: 2 CO → {{chem|CO|2}} + C.
The reaction is ] but has a high ] in the gas phase (~62 kcal/mol). The condensed phases (solid or liquid) show markedly lower activation energies of roughly 35 kcal/mol due to unique bimolecular decomposition routes at elevated densities.<ref name="Furman Kosloff Dubnikova Zybin pp. 4192–4200">{{cite journal | last1=Furman | first1=David | last2=Kosloff | first2=Ronnie | last3=Dubnikova | first3=Faina | last4=Zybin | first4=Sergey V. | last5=Goddard | first5=William A. | last6=Rom | first6=Naomi | last7=Hirshberg | first7=Barak | last8=Zeiri | first8=Yehuda | title=Decomposition of Condensed Phase Energetic Materials: Interplay between Uni- and Bimolecular Mechanisms | journal=Journal of the American Chemical Society | publisher=American Chemical Society (ACS) | volume=136 | issue=11 | date=6 March 2014 | issn=0002-7863 | doi=10.1021/ja410020f | pages=4192–4200| pmid=24495109 | bibcode=2014JAChS.136.4192F | url=https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140428-125540687 }}</ref> Because of the production of ], TNT explosions have a sooty appearance. Because TNT has an excess of carbon, explosive mixtures with oxygen-rich compounds can yield more energy per kilogram than TNT alone. During the 20th century ], a mixture of TNT with ], was a widely used military explosive.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}


TNT can be detonated with a high velocity initiator or by efficient concussion.<ref>'']'', 13th Edition, '''9801'''</ref> For many years, TNT used to be the reference point for the ]. TNT had a rating of exactly 100 on the "F of I" scale. The reference has since been changed to a more sensitive explosive called ], which has an F of I rating of 80.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Figure of Insensitivity {{!}} 1 Publications {{!}} 12 Citations {{!}} Top Authors {{!}} Related Topics |url=https://typeset.io/topics/figure-of-insensitivity-2tdtuknh |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=SciSpace - Topic |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721190324/https://typeset.io/topics/figure-of-insensitivity-2tdtuknh |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Upon ], TNT decomposes as follows:
: 2 C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> → 3 N<sub>2</sub> + 5 H<sub>2</sub>O + 7 CO + 7 C
: 2 C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> → 3 N<sub>2</sub> + 5 H<sub>2</sub> + 12 CO + 2 C


== Energy content ==
The reaction is ] but has a high ]. Because of the production of ], TNT explosions have a sooty appearance. Because TNT has an excess of carbon, explosive mixtures with oxygen-rich compounds can yield more energy per kilogram than TNT alone. During the 20th century, ], a mixture of TNT with ] was a widely used military explosive.
{{See also|TNT equivalent}}
] shells (dating from {{Circa|1945}}) showing color codes for TNT and ] fillings]]


The energy density of TNT is used as a reference point for many other explosives, including nuclear weapons, as their energy content is measured in equivalent tonnes (metric tons, t) of TNT. The energy used by ] to define the equivalent is 4.184 ]/t.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nist.gov/physical-measurement-laboratory/nist-guide-si-appendix-b8 |title=Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) |work=NIST |date=2008 |access-date=2024-03-25 }}</ref>
Detonation of TNT can be done using a high velocity initiator or by efficient concussion.<ref>'']'', 13th Edition, '''9801'''.</ref>


For safety assessments, it has been stated that the detonation of TNT, depending on circumstances, can release 2.673–6.702 GJ/t.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00629253/document |title=Blast effects of external explosions (Section 4.8 Limitations of the TNT equivalent method) |page=16 |year=2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810225249/http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00629253/document |archive-date=2016-08-10}}</ref>
For many years, TNT used to be the reference point for the ]. TNT has a rating of exactly 100 on the F of I scale. However, the reference has since been changed to a more sensitive explosive called ], which has an F of I of 80.


The ] however is 14.5 GJ/t (14.5 MJ/kg or 4.027 kWh/kg), which requires that the carbon in TNT fully react with atmospheric oxygen, which does not occur in the initial event.<ref name=babrauskas>{{cite book |last1=Babrauskas |first1=Vytenis |title=Ignition Handbook |year=2003 |publisher=Fire Science Publishers/Society of Fire Protection Engineers |location=Issaquah, WA |isbn=978-0-9728111-3-2 |page=453}}</ref>
==Energy content==


For comparison, ] contains 3 MJ/kg, ] contains 7.5 MJ/kg, and ] contains 47.2 MJ/kg (though gasoline requires an ], so an optimized gasoline and O<sub>2</sub> mixture contains 10.4 MJ/kg).{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
{{See also|TNT equivalent}}


== Detection ==
TNT contains 4.184 ]] per kilogram. The energy density of TNT is used as a reference-point for many other types of explosives, including nuclear weapons, the energy content of which is measured in kilotons (~4.184 ]joules) or megatons (~4.184 ]]) of ].
Various methods can be used to detect TNT, including optical and ] sensors and ] In 2013, researchers from the ] using ] quantum clusters could detect TNT at the sub-] (10<sup>−18</sup> mol/m<sup>3</sup>) level.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Grad|first=Paul|title=Quantum clusters serve as ultra-sensitive detectors|journal=Chemical Engineering|date=April 2013|url=http://www.chemengonline.com/quantum-clusters-serve-as-ultra-sensitive-detectors/}}</ref>


== Safety and toxicity ==
For comparison, ] contains 3 megajoules per kilogram, ] contains 7.5 megajoules per kilogram, ] contains 47.2 megajoules per kilogram (though gasoline requires an ], so an optimized gasoline and O<sub>2</sub> mixture contains 10.4 megajoules per kilogram), and ] contains 30 megajoules per kilogram (also requiring an external oxidizing agent).
TNT is poisonous, and skin contact can cause skin irritation, causing the skin to turn a bright yellow-orange color. During the ], female munition workers who handled the chemical found that their skin turned bright yellow, which resulted in their acquiring the nickname "]" or simply "canaries".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-05-20|title=The Canary Girls: The workers the war turned yellow|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-39434504|access-date=2021-02-07}}</ref>


People exposed to TNT over a prolonged period tend to experience ] and abnormal ] functions. ] and liver effects, ] enlargement and other harmful effects on the ] have also been found in animals that ingested or breathed trinitrotoluene. There is evidence that TNT adversely affects male ].<ref>. atsdr.cdc.gov</ref> TNT is listed as a possible human ], with carcinogenic effects demonstrated in animal experiments with rats, although effects upon humans so far amount to none (according to IRIS of March 15, 2000).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/8376 |website=www.nlm.nih.gov|title=2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene}}</ref> Consumption of TNT produces red ] through the presence of breakdown products and not blood as sometimes believed.<ref>{{Cite web | publisher = ] | title=2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene|url=http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp81-c2.pdf | access-date = 2010-05-17}}</ref>
==History==
]
] of the 500-ton TNT explosive charge as part of ] in 1965. The white blast-wave is visible on the water surface and a shock condensation cloud is visible overhead]]


Some military testing grounds are contaminated with ] from munitions programs, including contamination of surface and ] which may be colored pink because of the presence of TNT. Such contamination, called "pink water", may be difficult and expensive to ].{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
TNT was first prepared in 1863 by German chemist ]<ref>{{cite journal
| title = Notiz über Trinitrotoluol
| pages = 178–179
| author = J. Wilbrand
| journal = ]
| doi = 10.1002/jlac.18631280206
| volume = 128
| issue = 2
| year = 1863}}</ref> and originally used as a yellow dye. Its potential as an explosive was not appreciated for several years mainly because it was so difficult to detonate and because it was less powerful than alternatives. TNT can be safely poured when liquid into shell cases, and is so insensitive that in 1910, it was exempted from the UK's ] and was not considered an explosive for the purposes of manufacture and storage.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}


TNT is prone to ] of ]s and other isomers of trinitrotoluene when ] containing TNT are stored at higher temperatures in warmer climates. Exudation of impurities leads to formation of pores and cracks (which in turn cause increased shock sensitivity). Migration of the exudated liquid into the ] screw thread can form ''fire channels'', increasing the risk of accidental detonation. Fuze malfunction can also result from the liquid migrating into the fuze mechanism.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9tIQDn2uZz4C&pg=PA11|title=The Chemistry of Explosives|date=2004|publisher=Royal Society of Chemistry|isbn=978-0-85404-640-9|pages=11–|author=Akhavan J}}</ref> ] is mixed with TNT to mitigate the tendency towards exudation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islandgroup.com/military/explosives_additives.php|title=Explosive & Propellant Additives|work=islandgroup.com|access-date=2014-06-07|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032754/http://www.islandgroup.com/military/explosives_additives.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The German armed forces adopted it as a filling for ] ]s in 1902. TNT-filled armour-piercing shells would explode after they had penetrated the armour of British ], whereas the British ]-filled shells tended to explode upon striking armour, thus expending much of their energy outside the ship. The British started replacing lyddite with TNT in 1907. TNT is still widely used by the United States military, as well as construction companies around the world. The majority of TNT currently used by the US military is manufactured by ] near ].
] 120 mm ] fitted with ]. Manufactured in January 2006 and marked to indicate a 100% TNT filling]]


==Safety and toxicity== ===Pink and red water===
{{For|the author|Daniel Pinkwater}}
TNT is poisonous, and skin contact can cause skin irritation, causing the skin to turn a bright yellow-orange color. During the ], munition workers who handled the chemical found that their skin turned bright yellow, which resulted in their acquiring the nickname "]" or simply "canaries."


'''Pink water''' and '''red water''' are two distinct types of ] related to trinitrotoluene.<ref>{{cite book|last=Yinon|first=Jehuda|title=Toxicity and metabolism of explosives|year=1990|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=0-8493-5128-6|pages=176|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BD3c7FN4x5YC&q=%22red+water%22+tnt&pg=PA39}}</ref> Pink water is produced from equipment washing processes after ] filling or ] operations,<ref name="NDCEE_1995">{{cite report |author=National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence |title=Pink Water Treatment Options |url= https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA295802.pdf |publisher= U.S. Army Environmental Center |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref><ref name="Deuren_2002"/> and as such is generally saturated with the maximum amount of TNT that will dissolve in water (about 150 parts per million (ppm).) However it has an indefinite composition that depends on the exact process; in particular, it may also contain ] (RDX) if the plant uses TNT/RDX mixtures, or ] if TNT/HMX is used. '''Red water''' (also known as "Sellite water") is produced during the process used to purify the crude TNT. It has a complex composition containing more than a dozen aromatic compounds, but the principal components are inorganic salts (], ], ] and ]) and ] ].{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
People exposed to TNT over a prolonged period tend to experience ] and abnormal ] functions. Blood and liver effects, ] enlargement and other harmful effects on the ] have also been found in animals that ingested or breathed trinitrotoluene. There is evidence that TNT adversely affects male ], and TNT is listed as a possible human ].<ref></ref> Consumption of TNT produces red ] through the presence of breakdown products and not blood as sometimes believed.<ref>{{Cite web | publisher = ] | title=2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene|url=http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp81-c2.pdf | accessdate = 2010-05-17}}</ref>


Pink and red water are colorless at the time of generation; the color is produced by ] reactions under the influence of sunlight. Despite the names, red and pink water are not necessarily different shades; the color depends mainly on the duration of solar exposure. If exposed long enough, "pink" water may turn various shades of pink, red, rusty orange, or black.<ref name="Deuren_2002">{{cite report |last1=Van Deuren |first1=Julie |last2=Lloyd |first2=Teressa |last3=Chhetry |first3=Shobha |last4=Liou |first4=Raycham |last5=Peck |first5=James |date=January 2002 |title=Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix and Reference Guide |edition=4 |url=https://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section2/2_10_3.html |publisher= U.S. Army Environmental Center |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref><ref name="Burlinson_1973">{{cite report |last1=Burlinson |first1=Nicholas E. |last2=Kaplan |first2=Lloyd A. |last3=Adams |first3=Charles E. |date=1973-10-03 |title=Photochemistry of TNT: Investigation of the "Pink Water" Problem |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD0769670.pdf |publisher= U.S. Army Environmental Center |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref>
Some military testing grounds are contaminated with TNT. Wastewater from munitions programs including contamination of surface and ] may be colored pink because of the presence of TNT. Such contamination, called "]", may be difficult and expensive to ].


Because of the toxicity of TNT, the discharge of pink water to the environment has been prohibited in the US and many other countries for decades, but ground contamination may exist in very old plants. However, RDX and ] contamination is usually considered more problematic, as TNT has very low soil mobility. Red water is significantly more toxic and as such it has always been considered hazardous waste. It has traditionally been disposed of by evaporation to dryness (as the toxic components are not volatile), followed by incineration. Much research has been conducted to develop better disposal processes.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
TNT is prone to ] of ]s and other isomers of trinitrotoluene. Even small quantities of such impurities can cause such effect. The effect shows especially in ] containing TNT and stored at higher temperatures, e.g. during summer. Exudation of impurities leads to formation of pores and cracks (which in turn cause increased shock sensitivity). Migration of the exudated liquid into the ] screw thread can form '''fire channels''', increasing the risk of accidental detonations; fuze malfunction can result from the liquids migrating into its mechanism.<ref></ref>


== Ecological impact ==
==See also==
Because of its suitability in construction and demolition, TNT has become the most widely used explosive and thus its toxicity is the most characterized and reported. Residual TNT from manufacture, storage, and use can pollute water, soil, the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/bc0e52ba-8f78-4ce1-83b4-4910f4a1f0e9/files/hazardous-waste-impacts.pdf |title=The health and environmental impacts of hazardous wastes: Impact Profiles |author=Ascend Waste and Environment |website=awe.gov.au |date=7 June 2015 |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>
*]
*]
*] (Difference from TNT)
*]


The concentration of TNT in contaminated soil can reach 50 g/kg of soil, where the highest concentrations can be found on or near the surface. In September 2001, the ] (USEPA) declared TNT a pollutant whose removal is a priority.<ref name="Esteve-Nunez_2001">{{cite journal|year=2001|title=Biological degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene|journal=Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev.|volume=65|issue=3|pages=335–52, table of contents|doi=10.1128/MMBR.65.3.335-352.2001|pmc=99030|pmid=11527999|vauthors=Esteve-Núñez A, Caballero A, Ramos JL}}</ref> The USEPA maintains that TNT levels in soil should not exceed 17.2 milligrams per kilogram of soil and 0.01 milligrams per litre of water.<ref name="Ayoub_2010">{{cite journal|year=2010|title=Application of advanced oxidation processes for TNT removal: A review|journal=J. Hazard. Mater.|volume=178|issue=1–3|pages=10–28|doi=10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.02.042|pmid=20347218|vauthors=Ayoub K, van Hullebusch ED, Cassir M, Bermond A}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}


=== Aqueous solubility ===
==External links==
] is a measure of the rate that solid TNT in contact with water is dissolved. The relatively low ] of TNT causes solid particles to be continuously released to the environment over extended periods of time.<ref name="Pichtel_2012">{{cite journal|date=2012|title=Distribution and Fate of Military Explosives and Propellants in Soil: A Review|journal=Applied and Environmental Soil Science|volume=2012|pages=1–33|doi=10.1155/2012/617236|author=Pichte J|doi-access=free}}</ref> Studies have shown that TNT dissolves more slowly in saline water than in freshwater. However, when salinity is altered, TNT dissolves at the same speed.<ref name="pmid15757688">{{cite journal|year=2005|title=Comparison of environmental fate and transport process descriptors of explosives in saline and freshwater systems|journal=Mar. Pollut. Bull.|volume=50|issue=3|pages=247–51|doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2004.10.008|pmid=15757688|vauthors=Brannon JM, Price CB, Yost SL, Hayes C, Porter B|bibcode=2005MarPB..50..247B }}</ref> Because TNT is moderately soluble in water, it can migrate through subsurface soil, and cause ] contamination.<ref name="pmid12187997">{{cite journal|year=2002|title=Detection of explosives and their degradation products in soil environments|journal=J Chromatogr A|volume=963|issue=1–2|pages=411–8|doi=10.1016/S0021-9673(02)00553-8|pmid=12187997|vauthors=Halasz A, Groom C, Zhou E, Paquet L, Beaulieu C, Deschamps S, Corriveau A, Thiboutot S, Ampleman G, Dubois C, Hawari J}}</ref>
* ''']'''
*
*
* ''']''' – note shockwave and black smoke residue
*
*
{{commons category}}


=== Soil adsorption ===
]
] is a measure of the distribution between soluble and sediment adsorbed contaminants following attainment of equilibrium. TNT and its transformation products are known to adsorb to surface soils and sediments, where they undergo reactive transformation or remained stored.<ref name="pmid19329139">{{cite journal|year=2009|title=A time series investigation of the stability of nitramine and nitroaromatic explosives in surface water samples at ambient temperature |journal=Chemosphere |volume=76 |issue=1 |pages=1–8 |doi=10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.02.050 |pmid=19329139 |vauthors=Douglas TA, Johnson L, Walsh M, Collins C |bibcode=2009Chmsp..76....1D|url=https://zenodo.org/record/851720}}</ref> The movement or organic contaminants through soils is a function of their ability to associate with the mobile phase (water) and a stationary phase (soil). Materials that associate strongly with soils move slowly through soil. The association constant for TNT with soil is 2.7 to 11 L/kg of soil.<ref name="Haderlein_1996">{{cite journal|date=January 1996|title=Specific Adsorption of Nitroaromatic Explosives and Pesticides to Clay Minerals|journal=Environmental Science & Technology|volume=30|issue=2|pages=612–622|doi=10.1021/es9503701|vauthors=Haderlein SB, Weissmahr KW, Schwarzenbach RP|bibcode=1996EnST...30..612H}}</ref> This means that TNT has a one- to tenfold tendency to adhere to soil particulates than not when introduced into the soil.<ref name = "Pichtel_2012"/> ] and ] are two suggested mechanisms of adsorption between the nitro functional groups and soil colloids.
]
]


The number of ]s on TNT influences the ability to adsorb into soil. Adsorption coefficient values have been shown to increase with an increase in the number of amino groups. Thus, adsorption of the TNT decomposition product 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2,4-DANT) was greater than that for 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT), which was greater than that for TNT.<ref name = "Pichtel_2012"/> Lower adsorption coefficients for 2,6-DNT compared to 2,4-DNT can be attributed to the ] hindrance of the NO<sub>2</sub> group in the ].
]

]
Research has shown that in freshwater environments, with high abundances of Ca<sup>2+</sup>, the adsorption of TNT and its transformation products to soils and sediments may be lower than observed in a saline environment, dominated by K<sup>+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup>. Therefore, when considering the adsorption of TNT, the type of soil or sediment and the ionic composition and strength of the ground water are important factors.<ref name="Pennington_2002">{{cite journal|date=February 2002|title=Environmental fate of explosives|journal=Thermochimica Acta|volume=384|issue=1–2|pages=163–172|doi=10.1016/S0040-6031(01)00801-2|vauthors=Pennington JC, Brannon JM|bibcode=2002TcAc..384..163P }}</ref>
]

]
The association constants for TNT and its degradation products with clays have been determined. Clay minerals have a significant effect on the adsorption of energetic compounds. Soil properties, such as organic carbon content and cation exchange capacity have significant impacts on the adsorption coefficients.
]

]
Additional studies have shown that the mobility of TNT degradation products is likely to be lower "than TNT in subsurface environments where specific adsorption to clay minerals dominates the sorption process."<ref name = "Pennington_2002"/> Thus, the mobility of TNT and its transformation products are dependent on the characteristics of the sorbent.<ref name = "Pennington_2002"/> The mobility of TNT in groundwater and soil has been extrapolated from "sorption and desorption ] determined with ], in aquifer sediments, and soils".<ref name = "Pennington_2002"/> From these models, it is predicted that TNT has a low retention and transports readily in the environment.<ref name = "Esteve-Nunez_2001"/>
]

]
Compared to other explosives, TNT has a higher association constant with soil, meaning it adheres more with soil than with water. Conversely, other explosives, such as ] and ] with low association constants (ranging from 0.06 to 7.3 L/kg and 0 to 1.6 L/kg respectively) can move more rapidly in water.<ref name = "Pichtel_2012"/>
]

]
=== Chemical breakdown ===
]
TNT is a reactive molecule and is particularly prone to react with reduced components of sediments or ] in the presence of sunlight. TNT is thermodynamically and kinetically capable of reacting with a wide number of components of many environmental systems. This includes wholly abiotic reactants, like ], ], or microbial communities, both oxic and anoxic and photochemical degradation.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
]

]
Soils with high clay contents or small particle sizes and high ] have been shown to promote TNT transformation. Possible TNT transformations include ] of one, two, or three nitro-moieties to amines and coupling of amino transformation products to form ]s. Formation of the two monoamino transformation products, 2-ADNT and 4-ADNT, is energetically favored, and therefore is observed in contaminated soils and ground water. The diamino products are energetically less favorable, and even less likely are the triamino products.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
]

]
The transformation of TNT is significantly enhanced under anaerobic conditions as well as under highly reducing conditions. TNT transformations in soils can occur both biologically and abiotically.<ref name = "Pennington_2002"/>
]

]
] is a major process that impacts the transformation of energetic compounds. The alteration of a molecule in photolysis occurs by direct absorption of light energy or by the transfer of energy from a photosensitized compound. ] of TNT "results in the formation of ]s, ]s, azodicarboxylic acids, and ]s, as a result of the ] of ]s, reduction of ], and dimer formation."<ref name = "Pichtel_2012"/>
]

]
Evidence of the photolysis of TNT has been seen due to the color change to pink of TNT-containing wastewaters when exposed to sunlight. Photolysis is more rapid in river water than in distilled water. Ultimately, photolysis affects the fate of TNT primarily in the aquatic environment but could also affect the fate of TNT in soil when the soil surface is exposed to sunlight.<ref name = "Pennington_2002"/>
]

]
=== Biodegradation ===
]
The ligninolytic physiological phase and manganese peroxidase system of fungi can cause a very limited amount of mineralization of TNT in a liquid culture, though not in soil. An organism capable of the remediation of large amounts of TNT in soil has yet to be discovered.<ref name="pmid11131384">{{cite journal|year=2000|title=Microbial degradation of explosives: biotransformation versus mineralization|journal=Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol.|volume=54|issue=5|pages=605–18|doi=10.1007/s002530000445|pmid=11131384|vauthors=Hawari J, Beaudet S, Halasz A, Thiboutot S, Ampleman G|s2cid=22362850}}</ref> Both wild and transgenic plants can ] explosives from soil and water.<ref name="pmid22996005">{{cite journal|year=2012|title=Phytoremediation of explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX) by wild-type and transgenic plants|journal=J. Environ. Manage.|volume=113|pages=85–92|doi=10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.08.016|pmid=22996005|vauthors=Panz K, Miksch K|bibcode=2012JEnvM.113...85P }}</ref>
]

]
== See also ==
]
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
]
* ]
]
* ]
]
* ]
]
* ]
]
] * ]
* ]
]
* ]
]
* ]
]
* ]
]

]
== References ==
]
{{Reflist|35em}}
]

]
== External links ==
]
{{commons category|Trinitrotoluene}}
]
* at '']'' (University of Nottingham)
]
* showing the shockwave and typical black smoke cloud from detonation of 160 kilograms of pure TNT
]
*
]

]
{{Authority control}}
]

]
]
]