Trinitrotoluene
Trinitrotoluene (Abbreviated TNT) (/,traI,naItroU'taljui:n/) more specifically 2,4, 6-trinitrotoluene, is a powerful nitroaromatic explosive, occasionally used as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
History
TNT was first made in 1863 by Julius Wilbrand and originally used as a yellow dye. It was not recognized as an explosive for 28 years, until the chemist Carl Haussermann discovered it' s explosive properties in 1891.
The German military started filling artillery shells with TNT 1902. TNT-filled shells would explode after they had broken through the armour of ships, whereas the British Lyddite (Picric acid) -filled shells exploded when they hit the armour, wasting energy outside the ship. The British started replacing Pciric acid with TNT in 1907.
Uses
TNT is one of the world' s most commonly used explosives, in the military, mining, and industrial operations.
TNT is often blended with other explosives to get desired properties.
References
Explosives
Organonitrogen compounds