Decomposition of TNT
2C7H5N3O6 → 3N2 + 5H2O + 7CO + 7C
Overview
TNT (trinitrotoluene) decomposes explosively when detonated, producing nitrogen, water, carbon monoxide, and solid carbon (soot). TNT is relatively stable and requires a detonator to initiate. Its explosive yield (about 4.2 MJ/kg) is used as the standard reference for measuring explosion energy.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Trinitrotoluene C₇H₅N₃O₆ | 2 | (s) |
| Product | Nitrogen N | 3 | (g) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 5 | (g) |
| Product | Carbon Monoxide CO | 7 | (g) |
| Product | Carbon C | 7 | (s) |
Everyday Example
The explosive power of other materials is often expressed in equivalent tons of TNT, a measurement unit used in news reports about explosions and nuclear weapons.
Industrial Importance
TNT remains one of the most important military and industrial explosives. The 'ton of TNT' is the standard unit for measuring explosive energy, including nuclear weapons yield.
Properties
- Type
- Decomposition
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -912.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)
Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate
Decomposition of Barium Peroxide
Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination)
Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite
Decomposition of Carbonic Acid
Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction)
Decomposition of Nitroglycerin
Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Decomposition of TNT?
The balanced equation is: 2C₇H₅N₃O₆ → 3N₂ + 5H₂O + 7CO + 7C.
What type of reaction is Decomposition of TNT?
Decomposition of TNT is a decomposition reaction.
Is Decomposition of TNT exothermic or endothermic?
Decomposition of TNT is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -912.0 kJ/mol.