Tetryl

Tetryl
IUPAC name	2,4,6-Trinitrophenyl-N-methylnitramine
Identifiers
CAS number	479-45-8
PubChem	10178
UN number	0208
SMILES	CN(C1=C(C=C(C=C1[N+](=O)[O-])[N+](=O)[O-])[N+](=O)[O-])[N+](=O)[O-]
Properties
Molecular formula	C7H5N5O8
Molar mass	287.15 g/mol
Appearance	Odorless yellow crystalline solid
Density	1.73 g/cm3
Melting point	129.5 °C, 403 K, 265 °F
Boiling point	Decomposes at 187 °C
Explosive data
Shock sensitivity	Insensitive
Friction sensitivity	Insensitive
Explosive velocity	7,570 m/s
RE factor	1.25
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Tetryl is a sensitive explosive compound used to make detonators and explosive booster charges. Its IUPAC name is 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-methylnitramine and some commonly used synonyms are nitramine, tetralite, and tetril. Its chemical formula is C₇H₅N₅O₈.

Tetryl is an odorless yellow crystalline solid that is not found naturally in the environment. Under certain conditions, tetryl can exist as dust in air. It is slightly soluble in water and in other liquids.

Tetryl was used mainly during World Wars I and II and later conflicts. Tetryl is usually used on its own, though can sometimes be found in compositions such as tetrytol. Tetryl is no longer manufactured or used in the United States, but can still be found in legacy munitions such as the M14 anti-personnel landmine.

[edit] Production

Tetryl is produced by action of a mix of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid on dimethylaniline.

[edit] See also

• Hexanitrobenzene
• Trinitrotoluene

[edit] References

• Cooper, Paul W., Explosives Engineering, New York: Wiley-VCH, 1996. ISBN 0-471-18636-8

[edit] External links

• Tetryl 'Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),