Why is TNT so unstable?

Why is TNT so unstable?

TNT is explosive for two reasons. First, it contains the elements carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, which means that when the material burns it produces highly stable substances (CO, CO2 and N2) with strong bonds, so releasing a great deal of energy.

Is TNT stable?

ABSTRACT. 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a molecular explosive that exhibits chemical stability in the molten phase at ambient pressure.

What does TNT smell like?

Other objects and even some medical conditions are also associated with distinctive odors. For example, the nitroglycerin fumes in dynamite can smell like banana, while food infected with salmonella bacteria can release hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Is TNT an acid?

Trinitrotoluene (/ˌtraɪˌnaɪtroʊˈtɒljuiːn/), more commonly known as TNT, more specifically 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and by its preferred IUPAC name 2-Methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, is a chemical compound with the formula C6H2(NO2)3CH3….TNT.

Is TNT or dynamite more powerful?

It’s the small explosion of the blasting cap that is required to cause the nitroglycerin to explode. You may see some explosives labeled “TNT” that look like dynamite. TNT stands for trinitrotoluene, which is also an explosive but quite different from dynamite. Dynamite is actually much more powerful than TNT.

Can dynamite explode when wet?

Even though the diatomaceous earth takes away some of the dangers of nitroglycerin, there are still problems because the mixture is not stable in damp environments. Water causes the nitroglycerin to leak away. The nitroglycerin can build up, and explode unexpectedly.

Can you smell C-4?

C-4 has an incredibly strong scent; it’s followed in decreasing order of smelliness by dynamite, TOVEX, detonating cord, and TNT.

What explosive smells like almonds?

Commercial explosive is a dense putty-like material that may be in blocks, lumps or sticks, and often has a distinct almond or marzipan smell.