Substance profile
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene is yellow crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene is
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene is yellow crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C6H3N3O6 and its molecular weight is 213.1 g/mol. It boils at 315 °C, melts at 121 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 315 °C (599 °F) | HSDB | |
| 315 °C (599 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | 121.3 °C (250.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 122.9 °C (253.2 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.688 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.4475 g/cm³ | at 152 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in alcohol and ether | HSDB | ||
| In water, 492 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00000644 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0000032 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
A severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. Trinitrobenzene is considered a powerful high explosive and has more shattering power than TNT. ... It is less sensitive to impact than TNT ... . The complex with potassium trimethyl stannate explodes at room temperature. Forms heat-sensitive explosive complexes with alkyl or aryl metallates (e.g., lithium or potassium salts of trimethyl-, triethyl-, or triphenyl-germanate, -silanate, or -stannate).
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene
Storage conditions
Treat as an explosive. ... Store separately from all other flammable materials. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, explosives, oxidizable materials. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The product /potassium 4-methyoxy-1-aci-nitro-3,5-dinitro-2,5-cyclohexadienonide/ of interaction of /1,3,5-/trinitrobenzene and concn aqueous potassium hydroxide in methanol is explosive, and analyses as the hemihydrate of a hemiacetal of the aci-p-quinonoid form of picric acid, and/or the mesomeric o-forms.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Aromatic nitro compounds, such as TRINITROBENZENE, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. The aromatic nitro compounds may explode in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide even in the presence of water or organic solvents. The explosive tendencies of aromatic nitro compounds are increased by the presence of multiple nitro groups.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →