Overview

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (two four six try-nye-troh-TOL-yoo-een), or TNT, is a yellow odorless solid that occurs in the form of crystalline needles. Its major use is in the manufacture of explosives. It may be used alone or in combination with other explosive chemicals. Although not as powerful as some other explosives, it has the advantage of being relatively insensitive to shock. Workers can handle the explosive without fear that it will suddenly explode if dropped or jarred. In fact, a blasting cap or detonator is needed to cause TNT to explode. Blasting caps and detonators are very sensitive explosives that can be attached to less sensitive explosives like TNT. Any small shock to the blasting cap or detonator will cause it to explode. That explosion, in turn, causes the less sensitive explosive, such as TNT, to blow up.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Methyltrinitrobenzene; TNT

Formula:

C₆H₂(CH₃)(NO...