UV-VIS Spectroscopy of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene-Hydroxide Reaction
Abstract
Contamination of groundwater, surface water, and soil by explosives has occurred at military sites throughout the world as a result of manufacture of explosive compounds, assembly of munitions, and deployment of explosives containing devices. As a result of the adverse effects of explosives on humans and environmental receptors, a low-cost means of decontaminating explosives and energetics contaminated areas is needed. Base-induced transformation of explosives shows promise as a rapid, low-cost technology for detoxifying explosives in soil and water. To understand the reaction mechanism, a reaction mixture of 2:1:1 (water: 100 ppm 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT): 1N KOH) was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible (UV/VIS) spectrometry from 190 to 1,100 nm. Time course measurements were conducted at 25, 20,15, and 12 C. A factor analysis program was used to analyze the spectral data. Principal component analysis indicated that six principal components explained the spectra to within experimental error, with four factors explaining the majority of the variance. Test spectral vectors for four components were developed, including TNT, two intermediates, and the final product, and tested against the abstract vectors. Two possible reaction mechanisms were suggested and tested to explain the spectral data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412729
Entities
People
- Deborah R. Felt
- Edward J. Valente
- Steven L. Larson
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center