Tetryl

• CE
• N-methyl- N-2 ,4,6- tetra- nitroaniline
• Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine
• Methylpikrylnitramin
• Tetralit

Yellowish monoclinic crystals

Fixed

1.57 g · cm -3

129 ° C.

From 180 ° C decomposition

• Very poor in water, ethanol and diethyl ether
• Moderately in acetone and benzene

Risk

Not determined, as evidence of a carcinogenic effect

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Tetryl (N- Methyl-N -2 ,4,6- tetra- nitroaniline ) is an energetic aromatic nitro compound. The substance from the group of nitramines had earlier for the production of detonators great importance, but is today largely replaced by more suitable compounds.

Production and representation

Tetryl can be obtained by nitration of methyl aniline or dimethylaniline in the presence of sulfuric acid. Suitable is the production of Dinitromethylanilin that is accessible by condensation of methylamine and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. The nitration of 2,4- dichloroethane in Dinitromethylanilin with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid gives good yields tetryl.

Properties

Tetryl is in a pure state almost colorless crystals, which turn quickly bright yellow in the light. The technical product is intense yellow. The compound melts at 129.5 ° C with an enthalpy of fusion of 22.93 kJ · mol -1. It reacts with aqueous bases with elimination of the Methylnitramingruppe. Therefore, residual traces of acid can be removed by careful recrystallization of the crude product.

Tetryl is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether, are more soluble in acetone or benzene. It irritates the airways and causes sensitization, contact dermatitis, and yellowing of the skin.

Explosion characteristics

Tetryl is a very high explosive. Important explosion indicators are:

• Heat of explosion: 4251 kJ · kg -1 (H2O ( l) ), 4153 kJ · kg -1 (H2O (g))
• Detonation velocity: 7850 m · s-1 at a density of 1.71 g · cm -3
• Normal gas volume: 939 l · kg -1
• Specific energy: 1213 kJ · kg -1
• Deflagration: 185-195 ° C
• Lead block expansion: 410 g cm3/10
• Impact Sensitivity: 3 N · m
• Friction sensitivity: 353 N pin load
• Steel sleeve test: limiting diameter 6 mm

Use

Tetryl was mainly used for detonators, blasting capsule fillings, Zwischenzündladungen and detonating cords. It was in the solidified melt with TNT, the first highly sensitive explosives that were first used in World War I by Germany as a charge in artillery shells and torpedoes. The substance has been replaced today by RDX and pentrite because they are next to a somewhat greater sensitivity of less toxic at cheaper production, although both are slightly more sensitive to impacts.