Tetranitromethane

Tetranitromethane is a powerful nitro compound and an oxidizing agent. It is a colorless, oily liquid that is most commonly used as a high explosive, although it has also found use in various industrial and scientific applications.

Chemical Properties

Tetranitromethane, or TNM, is a nitro compound with the chemical formula C(NO₂)₄. It is a dense, colorless, slightly volatile liquid that is highly reactive and explosive. It has a boiling point of 126 °C (259 °F) and a melting point of -13 °C (9 °F).

Tetranitromethane is a strong oxidizing agent, capable of causing rapid oxidation and combustion of many materials. It is also a powerful explosive, with a detonation velocity of 7,700 m/s (25,000 ft/s).

Synthesis

Tetranitromethane can be synthesized by the nitration of methane using nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The reaction is highly exothermic and can be dangerous if not properly controlled.

Uses

Tetranitromethane is primarily used as a high explosive. It is also used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and in the synthesis of other nitro compounds. In addition, it has found use as a solvent in some industrial applications.

Safety

Due to its high reactivity and explosive nature, tetranitromethane must be handled with extreme care. It can cause severe burns and eye damage, and its vapors can be harmful if inhaled.

See Also

• Nitro compound
• Oxidizing agent
• Explosive