Chemical Conversion of TNT: Production of 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic Acid

Astrat' ; ev, A.A.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

关键词: Tnt;    Decarboxylation;    37 Inorganic, Organic, Physical And Analytical Chemistry;    Oxidation;    Kinetics;   

DOI  :  10.2172/814295
RP-ID  :  ORNL/TM-2000/117
RP-ID  :  AC05-00OR22725
RP-ID  :  814295

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Oxidation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) by aqueous nitric acid at high temperature and pressure gives 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid (TNBA) and other valuable products, such as 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). Optimization of the kinetics proved to be critical for the selective oxidation of the methyl group. High yield of a desired product can be obtained only under a narrow range of conditions. Thus, the best yield (70 to 75%) of TNBA was achieved at a 35 to 45% conversion of TNT (80% nitric acid, 194 C, 20 min), whereas the decarboxylation product (TNB) was the major component of the reaction mixture after a 50-min reaction. Subsequent separation of TNBA was achieved by selective extraction with aqueous bicarbonate. Practical technology development steps for a continuous mode of operation leading to the chief products are also discussed. This technology can use commercial raw trotyl and trotyl from discharged ammunition as the starting material. The latter could be of particular importance for the conversion program aimed at the utilization of ammunition supplies.