Uses
Bursting charges and other high explosive uses.
General Description
A detonating explosive in the form of yellow needles. Readily soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetone. 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
Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol is a nitroaryl derivative. 2,4,6-Trinitro-m-cresol is sensitive to heat. Nitroaryls range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. 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
Crystallise the cresol successively from H2O, aqueous EtOH and *benzene/cyclohexane, then dry at 80o for 2hours. [Davis & Paabo J Res Nat Bur Stand 64A 533 1960, Beilstein 6 H 387, 6 I 194, 6 II 363, 6 III 1331, 6 IV 2079.]