Question

Trinitrotoluene is used as?
(A) A preservative
(B) A fertilizer
(C) A fuel
(D) An explosive

Answer 1

Hint: The short form of trinitrotoluene is TNT. It is a pale yellow solid organic compound. It’s more specific name is $ 2,{\text{ }}4,{\text{ }}6 - trinitrotoluene $ . TNT is made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The bonds between these elements are very strong.

Complete answer:
Trinitrotoluene is popularly known as TNT. Its molecular formula is $ {C_6}{H_2}\left( {N{O_2}} \right)3C{H_3} $ . The structure of TNT is as follows:

It contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen strongly bonded to each other. TNT is a solid organic compound but it has the property of quickly changing its solid form to hot expanding gas resulting in an explosion. And so TNT or Trinitrotoluene is used as an explosive.
TNT was invented by German chemist Julius Wilbrand in 1863. It was originally used as a yellow dye. Then later in 1891 a German chemist, Carl Haussermann discovered its explosive properties.
Preparation of TNT in industries takes place in three steps:
First toluene is nitrated with a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. And mono-nitrotoluene (MNT) is generated. Then this MNT is isolated and reacted with dinitrotoluene to produce dinitrotoluene (DNT). Finally, anhydrous mixtures of nitric acid oleum are used and DNT is nitrated to trinitrotoluene (TNT). Hence TNT is produced.
Therefore the correct option is D. an explosive.

Note:
TNT explosive is easy to handle. It is widely used in military, mining, and automotive applications.it is different from other explosives. People who are exposed to TNT may get anemia, skin irritation, cataract, and abnormal liver function. TNT explosive is highly destructive and can cause mass deterioration.