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he mysterious history of TNT: How did a yellow dye invented in 1861 become the most famous explosive
When discussing explosives, the name that comes up is almost always something related to TNT, or trinitrotoluene. The explosive properties and handling characteristics of this colorless crystalline solid make it a top choice for military and industrial applications. However, this substance began its history in an unexpected way. In 1861, German chemist Joseph Wilbrand first synthesized TNT, when its main function was as a yellow dye.
Initially, TNT was barely considered an explosive because it was so much less sensitive than other explosives available at the time.
The truth is, its explosive potential went unrecognized for thirty years. In 1891, another German chemist, Karl Haussermann, discovered its explosive properties, and over the following decades, TNT's uses expanded to include military and industrial applications.
In 1910, Britain exempted TNT from the Explosives Act, allowing its use to become more widespread. The German army has used it as filler for artillery ammunition since 1902. Compared to the Lyddite (filler) used by the British, TNT-filled armor-piercing rounds were more likely to detonate after penetrating a warship's armor, thus wasting energy more efficiently.
TNT's explosive properties and safety make it a standard for military and industry in many countries.
As technology develops, the production process of TNT has become more perfect. Industrially, TNT is produced in three main steps: first, toluene is mixed with sulfuric acid and nitric acid to produce mononitrotoluene (MNT); then it is nitrated again to produce dinitrotoluene (DNT); and finally anhydrous Nitric acid and a unique solution form trinitrotoluene (TNT). This series of chemical reactions not only produces TNT, but also environmental pollutants.
TNT has a wide range of applications, whether in military, industrial or mining. Especially in oil and gas extraction, TNT is often used in conjunction with hydraulic fracturing technology because its stability reduces the risk of accidental detonation. Due to TNT's relatively low melting point, its pourability in a liquid state also promotes its versatility in application.
However, despite its wide range of uses, TNT's toxicity and environmental impact remain a focus of concern. Once TNT enters the body, it can cause minor skin irritation or more serious health problems. Historically, workers were nicknamed "Canary Girls" because their hands changed color due to contact with TNT, alerting the world to the dangers of this chemical.
Exposure to TNT may cause long-term health problems, including anemia and abnormal liver function.
TNT's environmental pollution problem has also attracted the attention of environmental protection agencies in various countries. As early as 2001, the US Environmental Protection Agency listed TNT as a priority pollutant for removal, and the concentration of TNT in the soil can be as high as 50 g/kg. The impact on soil and groundwater is not limited to toxicity, but may also lead to the destruction of ecosystems, forming a lasting impact of this explosive on the environment.
As the research progressed, scientists discovered how TNT degrades and its potential threat to aquatic life. When exposed to sunlight, the color of TNTWastewater changes to pink due to photochemical reactions and the production of its metabolites. These phenomena reveal that chemicals that just seem powerful can be changed by the environment.
Every step of TNT's history continues to unfold as a confusing double-edged sword.
In modern society, the use of TNT continues to be closely monitored. Whether it is the strengthening of military power or the implementation of environmental protection, the story of TNT reminds us that technological progress is sometimes accompanied by risks. When we think about the development and application of TNT, are we aware of our responsibilities to science and technology and ethics?
