Print
Chemical Datasheet

TRINITROTOLUENE, DRY OR WETTED WITH LESS THAN 30 PERCENT WATER, BY MASS

1.1 - Explosives which have a mass explosion hazard; D - Substances or articles which may mass detonate (with blast and/or fragment hazard) when exposed to fire.

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 118-96-7
  • 0209
  • Explosive 1.1D
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
  • 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
An explosive solid. Primary hazard is from effects of a blast. Not designed to produce significant fragmentation or throw projectiles. May explode under exposure to intense heat or fire.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for this chemical are not available. It is explosive. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include headache, weakness, anemia, toxic hepatitis, cyanosis, dermatitis, jaundice, purpura, liver injury, conjunctivitis, irritation of the respiratory tract, constriction in the chest, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, petechial hemorrhages in the skin, oliguria, albuminuria, casts in urine, papular dermatitis, and yellow-orange discoloration of the hands, nails, face and hair.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound can be absorbed through the skin. The vapors are toxic. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes. It will detonate under strong shock or sudden heating. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
TRINITROTOLUENE, DRY OR WETTED WITH LESS THAN 30 PERCENT WATER, BY MASS is sensitive to heat and shock. This compound reacts with reducing agents. It will detonate if vigorously shocked or heated to 450°F. (NTP, 1992)
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 112 Polymerizable warning [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

FIRE: If rail car or trailer is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 112 Polymerizable warning [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

CARGO FIRE: DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches cargo! Cargo may EXPLODE! Stop all traffic and clear the area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions and let burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.

TIRE OR VEHICLE FIRE: Use plenty of water - FLOOD it! If water is not available, use CO2, dry chemical or dirt. If possible, and WITHOUT RISK, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles from maximum distance to prevent fire from spreading to cargo area. Pay special attention to tire fires as re-ignition may occur. Stand by, at a safe distance, with extinguisher ready for possible re-ignition. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 112 Polymerizable warning [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. DO NOT OPERATE RADIO TRANSMITTERS WITHIN 100 METERS (330 FEET) OF ELECTRIC DETONATORS. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C7H5N3O6
Flash Point: (Explodes) (NIOSH, 2023)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 177.6°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 0.046 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.654 at 68°F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 464°F at 760 mmHg EXPLODES (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 227.15 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.59 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 500 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Trinitrotoluene, 2,4,6- (118-96-7) 0.3 mg/m3 17 mg/m3 1000 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
TNT; [Trinitrotoluene] 118-96-7 ACG 5000 pounds explosive ACG 400 pounds EXP/IEDP

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names