2,4,6-TRINITROBENZENESULFONIC ACID

Definition

ChEBI: The arenesulfonic acid that is benzenesulfonic acid with three nitro substituents in the 2-, 4- and 6-positions.

General Description

A detonating explosive substance derived from an organic sulfonic acid. Primary hazard is blast of an instantaneous explosion, not flying projectiles or fragments. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may explode violently.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water. Solution exhibits a strong acidic reaction.

Reactivity Profile

2,4,6-TRINITROBENZENESULFONIC ACID is a nitroaryl oxidizing acid. 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.

Health Hazard

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.

Purification Methods

Recrystallise TNBS from 1M HCl, or a mixture of EtOH (50mL), H2O (30mL) and conc HCl (70mL) for 65g of acid, and dry it at 100o. The diethanolamine salt had m 182-183o [Golumbic J Org Chem 11 518 1946]. [Beilstein 11 III 161.]