Substance profile
2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol
2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol is yellow crystals.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol is
2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol is yellow crystals. Its molecular formula is C7H5N3O7 and its molecular weight is 243.13 g/mol. It boils at 150 °C, melts at 106 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
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. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P312, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol 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 | 150 °C (302 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 106 °C (222.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.75 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in alcohol, ether and acetone | HSDB | |
| In water, 2200 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000013 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of 2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol
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. Explodes when heated above 150 °C. Trinitrocresol is not as powerful a high explosive as TNT or picric acid.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol
Incompatible materials
Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TRINITROMETACRESOL is a nitroaryl derivative. It is sensitive to heat. Nitroaryls 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 2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol in the storage compatibility matrix →