What is the full form of TNT?

The full form of TNT is Trinitrotoluene. TNT is a yellow solid frequently used as a reagent in chemical synthesis but is also well-known for its explosive properties and easy handling qualities.

TNT is a powerful explosion because it can transform quickly from a solid to a hot, expanding gas. The explosion characteristics are brought about by transforming 2 moles of solid TNT into roughly 15 moles of hot gas and a small amount of carbon powder.

A Brief History of TNT

• A German chemist named Julius Wilbrand created TNT for the first time in 1863. For many years, it was first utilised as a yellow dye.
• Carl Haussermann, a different German chemist, recognised its explosive activity in 1891.
• The German Army first used it as a filler for artillery shells in 1902.
• The British Army utilised lyddite-filled shells, but later, in 1907, it switched to TNT.

Synthesizing method of TNT

The synthesis of TNT in the industry follows three steps.

1st step :

Formation of MNT (mono nitro toluene) by nitration process in the presence of nitric and sulphuric acid.

2nd step:

Separation of DNT and again nitration process to produce DNT (di nitro toluene).

3rd step:

Formation of TNT from DNT by nitration process in the presence of oleum and anhydrous nitric acid.

Use of TNT

• TNT is generally used for explosive purposes in the industry & military sectors.
• It is a chemical explosive suitable for demolitions.
• TNT can also be used to generate charge transfer salt.