Skip to main content

Tetryl

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C7H5N5O6
CAS number
479-45-8
IUPAC name
2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitro-benzene
State
State

Tetryl is a solid at room temperature, characterized by its crystalline structure. It is stable under normal conditions but should be handled cautiously due to its explosive nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
129.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
402.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
150.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
423.15
General information
Molecular weight
287.14g/mol
Molar mass
287.1400g/mol
Density
1.7310g/cm3
Appearence

Tetryl appears as a pale yellow crystalline solid. These crystals are often needle-shaped and can have a glossy or shiny appearance. The color can vary slightly depending on the purity and particle size. It is known for its bright yellow color when in powder form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitro-benzene

2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitro-benzene, commonly referred to as methyltrinitrobenzene, displays some intriguing characteristics regarding its solubility:

  • Polar Solvents: This compound exhibits low solubility in water, which is largely due to its non-polar aromatic nature and the presence of nitro groups that, while polar, do not sufficiently balance the overall structure for effective solvation.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: It is more soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as benzene or toluene. The interaction between the non-polar solvent and the aromatic structure facilitates greater solubility.
  • Thermal Considerations: The solubility can also be affected by temperature; generally, as temperature increases, solubility in organic solvents may improve.

In summary, while 2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitro-benzene is insoluble in water, it finds better solvation properties in non-polar organic solvents. Understanding these solubility characteristics is crucial for various practical applications within chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Methyl-1,3,4-trinitrobenzene

2-Methyl-1,3,4-trinitrobenzene (commonly referred to as TNT) is a notable compound in both chemistry and military applications. Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:

  • Explosive Properties: TNT is primarily known for its explosive capabilities. It is a high-energy compound that releases a substantial amount of energy upon detonation, making it a key ingredient in military explosives.
  • Stability: Despite being an explosive, TNT is remarkably stable under normal conditions, which allows it to be handled safely and stored without significant risk of accidental detonation.
  • Chemical Structure: The chemical structure of 2-Methyl-1,3,4-trinitrobenzene includes a benzene ring that is substituted with three nitro groups and one methyl group. This unique arrangement contributes to its explosive characteristics.
  • Historical Significance: First synthesized in the 1860s, TNT quickly became the standard explosive used in warfare due to its effectiveness and stability compared to earlier explosives, such as nitroglycerin.
  • Environmental Impact: The usage of TNT in military operations raises concerns regarding environmental contamination. Residual TNT can persist in the environment, affecting soil and water quality.
  • Beyond Explosives: Interestingly, TNT is also used as a precursor in the synthesis of various dyes, showcasing its versatility beyond just being an explosive compound.

In the words of chemist John Wiley: "Understanding the chemistry of explosives is crucial for both safe handling and novel applications in various fields." This emphasizes the importance of studying compounds like 2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitrobenzene for both scientific advancements and safety protocols.

Synonyms
2,3,6-TRINITROTOLUENE
2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitrobenzene
Benzene, 1-methyl-2,3,6-trinitro-
Toluene, 2,3,6-trinitro-
BRN 1990251
UNII-VB65AU8340
VB65AU8340
DTXSID6075140
1-METHYL-2,3,6-TRINITROBENZENE
BENZENE, 2-METHYL-1,3,4-TRINITRO-
DTXCID1035818
4-05-00-00872 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
18292-97-2
2,3,6-Trinitro-toluol
Benzene,2-methyl-1,3,4-trinitro-
SCHEMBL5255045
SCHEMBL7520585
LFCALAUEQXYQIV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2,3,6 TNT
DB-081172
Q27291740