Substance profile
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is monoclinic rhombohedra from alc; commercial crystals (needles) are yellow and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is monoclinic rhombohedra from alc; commercial crystals (needles) are yellow and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C7H5N3O6 and its molecular weight is 227.13 g/mol. It boils at 240 °C, melts at 80.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · Identifiers
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene identifiers and molecular data
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene CAS number and EC number
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
- TNT
03 · GHS classification
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene pictograms and signal word
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explosives GHS chapter 2.1 | Category 1.1 | H201 | GHS01 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H301 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H311 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H331 | GHS06 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure GHS chapter 3.9 | Category 2 | H373 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 2 | H411 | GHS09 |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H201 | Explosive; mass explosion hazard. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 15 precautionary statements to 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 2,4,6-тринитротолуен TNT |
| Spanish español | 2,4,6-Trinitrotolueno TNT |
| Czech čeština | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
| Danish dansk | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
| German Deutsch | 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluol TNT |
| Estonian eesti | v 2,4,6-trinitrotolueen TNT |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2,4,6-τρινιτροτολουόλιο TNT |
| English English | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene TNT |
| French français | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluène TNT |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
| Italian italiano | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene TNT |
| Latvian latviešu | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluols TNT |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluenas TNT |
| Hungarian magyar | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluol (TNT) |
| Maltese Malti | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluwen TNT |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2,4,6-trinitrotolueen TNT |
| Polish polski | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNTtrotyl |
| Portuguese português | 2,4,6-trinitrotolueno TNT |
| Romanian română | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluén TNT |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
| Finnish suomi | 2,4,6-trinitrotolueeni TNT |
| Swedish svenska | 2,4,6-trinitrotoluen TNT |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
- Explosive; mass explosion hazard.
- Toxic if inhaled.
- Toxic in contact with skin.
- Toxic if swallowed.
- May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
- Rinse mouth.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene health hazards and exposure limits
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene hazard summary
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is a yellow, odorless solid that does not occur naturally in the environment. It is commonly known as TNT and is an explosive used in military shells, bombs, and grenades, in industrial uses, and in underwater blasting. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene production in the United States occurs solely at military arsenals.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene carcinogenicity classification
CLASSIFICATION: C; possible human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Evidence of human carcinogenicity is inadequate. Urinary bladder papilloma and carcinoma were observed in female Fischer 344 rats. Mutagenic activity was observed in Salmonella with and without metabolic activation. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Limited.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Overall evaluation: 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 1.5 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 1.5 mg/m³ | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 1.5 mg/m3 [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 0.5 mg/m³ | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 0.5 mg/m3 [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 500 mg/m3 [From NPG: 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene] (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 500 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 500.0 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 240 °C (464 °F) | explodes | HSDB |
| 240 °C (464 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 240 °C (464 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 80 °C (176 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 80.89 °C (177.6 °F) | CAMEO |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.65 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.654 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Sol less than 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in alc, ether, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| In water, 115 mg/L at 23 °C | at 23 °C | HSDB | |
| About 0.01% in water at 25 °C. 1 g/700 ml boiling water | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.0002 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.046 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| 0.00000802 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | ? (Explodes) | NIOSH | |
| (Explodes) (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO | ||
| explodes | OSHA |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Risk of fire and explosion upon rapid heating or strong shock. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid (Class A Explosive) | NIOSH | ||
| May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. Explodes on heating to 240 °C. | decomposes | HSDB |
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 7.85 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene fire potential
Explosive. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene storage and handling
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from initiator explosives, food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from initiator explosives, food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene incompatible materials
TNT and potassium hydroxide in methanol will interact even at -65 °C to give explosive acid-nitro salts (presumably o-quinonoid, or possibly Meisenheimer complexes). The explosion temperature is lowered to 160 °C by the presence of a little potassium hydroxide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene reactivity
TNT (trinitrotoluene) may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides. May explode in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide even in the presence of water or organic solvents.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene?
The CAS number of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is 118-96-7. Its EC number is 204-289-6.
What is the chemical formula of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene?
The molecular formula of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is C7H5N3O6 and its molecular weight is 227.13 g/mol.
What does a 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene carries the pictograms Exploding bomb, Skull and crossbones, Health hazard and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is ? (Explodes) (NIOSH).
Is 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is 1.5 [mg/m3] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene?
The boiling point reported for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is 240 °C (464 °F), explodes (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene?
The melting point reported for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) (HSDB).
How should 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene be stored?
Fireproof. Separated from initiator explosives, food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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