Trinitrotoluene , physical properties

Elucidation of the structure of a-tnniirotolaene Kinetics of the nitration of dinitroioluene to trinitrotoluene Explosive properties of TNT Toxicity of a-trinitrotoluene Metabolism of iriniiroiolucne Uns mmctrical isomers of trinitrotoluenes Physical properties Thermochemical properties Heat of crystallization Heat of combustion and of formation Heat of nitration Chemical properties Reactions With alkalis Reaction with sodium sulphite Effect of light... 

Pristera, Preparation and Physical Properties of Di- and Trinitrotoluene Isomers , PATR 2525... 

The physical properties of the unsymmetrical isomers of trinitrotoluene are similar to those of a- trinitrotoluene. They are crystalline substances of a pale yellow colour, soluble in most organic solvents, insoluble in water and non-hygroscopic. 

The physical and chemical properties of the first three trinitrotoluenes—the alpha, beta and gamma— are quite well known, since these isomers have been known for some time, and have been prepared in sufficient quantities to enable research, which has embraced many reactions, to be carried out. The last three trinitrotoluenes—the delta, epsilon and zeta— have been discovered in too recent years to enable the scientist to reach definite conclusions concerning their chemical reactions. Practically all that is known concerning these last three isomers is the melting-point. So far as the commercial manufacture of TNT is concerned, the chemical and physical properties of the alpha, beta, and gamma trinitrotoluenes are of vastly more importance than the properties of the others, because the first-mentioned isomers constitute practically 100 per cent of the TNT. Narrowing down the relative importance still more, it is found that interest has centered on but one of the six trinitrotoluenes— the alpha. This is because the alpha or symmetrical trinitrotoluene forms about 98 per cent of the commercial product and the reactions of this product are... 

Tetryl and butyltetryl are alike in their physical and chemical properties. The latter is notable for its low sensitiveness to impact, very similar to that of trinitrotoluene. Since it is slightly more powerful than trinitrotoluene and at the same time highly sensitive to detonation by mercury fulminate, it was suggested (Davis [72]) for use in detonators, gains (boosters) and other initiating or priming charges. 

Of the hydrocarbons toluene is the only one which nitrates sufficiently easily and yields a product which has the proper physical and explosive properties. Trinitrotoluene is the most widely used of the pure aromatic nitro compounds. It melts at such temperature that it can be loaded by pouring. It is easily and surely detonated, and is insensitive to shock, though not insensitive enough to penetrate armor-plate without exploding until afterwards. It is powerful and brisant, but less so than trinitrobenzene which would offer certain advantages if it could be procured in sufficient quantity. 

Physical (including thermochemical and explosive) properties Chemical properties of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Reaction with sodium sulphite Oxidation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Reduction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Melhylation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene... 

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