Historical and Experimental Studies of Alkali and Trinitrotoluene Reaction
Abstract
Reaction of aromatic nitro compounds with alkali is reviewed in the literature as far back as 1886. Studies of the reaction of trinitrotoluene and aqueous alkali were conducted in the laboratory. Various analytical techniques such as infrared spectrophotometry, uv-visible spectrophotometry, liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used in the structure investigations. Direct structural identification of the reaction products with the methods employed was not possible; however, enough evidence was available to allow the proposal of a possible structure for the material formed in the reaction. Evidence points to the presence of TNT anion and a Janovsky complex being formed early in the reaction. Nitrite liberation indicates the possible formation of a charged dinitro quinoid ion. Final products are postulated as mono, di and tripotassium nitronate salts of toluene.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019055
Entities
People
- Vernon L. Hammersley