Substance profile
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is monoclinic rhombohedra from alc; commercial crystals (needles) are yellow and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is monoclinic rhombohedra from alc; commercial crystals (needles) are yellow and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C7H5N3O6 and its molecular weight is 227.13 g/mol. It boils at 240 °C, melts at 80.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
- TNT
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. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic 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>. |
| H411 | 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
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene 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 | 240 °C (464 °F) | explodes | HSDB |
| 240 °C (464 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 240 °C (464 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 80 °C (176 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 80.89 °C (177.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.65 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.654 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Sol less than 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in alc, ether, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| In water, 115 mg/L at 23 °C | at 23 °C | HSDB | |
| About 0.01% in water at 25 °C. 1 g/700 ml boiling water | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0002 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.046 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| 0.00000802 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | ? (Explodes) | NIOSH | |
| (Explodes) (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO | ||
| explodes | OSHA | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Risk of fire and explosion upon rapid heating or strong shock. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid (Class A Explosive) | NIOSH | ||
| May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. Explodes on heating to 240 °C. | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 7.85 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
Storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from initiator explosives, food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
TNT and potassium hydroxide in methanol will interact even at -65 °C to give explosive acid-nitro salts (presumably o-quinonoid, or possibly Meisenheimer complexes). The explosion temperature is lowered to 160 °C by the presence of a little potassium hydroxide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TNT (trinitrotoluene) may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides. May explode in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide even in the presence of water or organic solvents.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →