Substance profile
N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroaniline
N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroaniline is a colorless to yellow, crystalline solid and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroani… is
N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroaniline is a colorless to yellow, crystalline solid and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C7H5N5O8 and its molecular weight is 287.14 g/mol. It boils at 187 °C, melts at 131 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroani…
- tetryl
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>. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P314, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroani… 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 | 187 °C (368.6 °F) | explodes | HSDB |
| 185 °C (365 °F) | range, midpoint shown | NIOSH | |
| 185 °C (365 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 131.11 °C (268 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 130 °C (266 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.57 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Sol in alc, ether, glacial acetic acid, benzene | HSDB | |
| 0.02% | NIOSH | ||
| In water, 74 mg/L @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1.2e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1 mmHg | below this value | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 187 °C (368.6 °F) | ICSC | |
| Flash point: explodes in air at 187C | HSDB | ||
| Explodes | NIOSH | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Severe, when shocked or exposed to heat or flame. It is powerful explosive quite sensitive to percussion and more sensitive to shock and friction than TNT. | HSDB | |
| Impact sensitivity (minimum fall of a 2 kg weight to cause at least one explosion in ten trials): 26 cm | HSDB | ||
| Combustible Solid (Class A Explosive) | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranitroani…
Storage conditions
Keep solution in the dark.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Contact of tetryl with some oxidizable materials may cause fires & explosions.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
During the measurement of the shock sensitivity of a mixture containing hydrazine, a drop of the hydrazine mixture fell on a tetryl explosive. The tetryl immediately burst into flames (ASESB 105).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check N-methyl-N-2,4,6-tetranit… in the storage compatibility matrix →