History of TNT in Timeline

Trinitrotoluene (TNT), or 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, is a chemical compound (C6H2(NO2)3CH3) primarily known as an explosive. While occasionally used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, its main application is as a standard for measuring the explosive yield of bombs and impacts. TNT's convenient handling properties contribute to its widespread use as an explosive. Additionally, in chemistry, TNT can be utilized to create charge transfer salts.

1902: German Armed Forces Adopt TNT

In 1902, the German armed forces adopted TNT as a filling for artillery shells.

1907: British Start Replacing Lyddite with TNT

In 1907, the British started replacing Lyddite with TNT in artillery shells.

1910: TNT Exempted from Explosives Act

In 1910, TNT was exempted from the UK's Explosives Act 1875 because it was so insensitive. It was not considered an explosive for the purposes of manufacture and storage.

March 15, 2000: IRIS Report on TNT

According to IRIS on March 15, 2000, effects upon humans from TNT exposure so far amount to none. TNT is listed as a possible human carcinogen, with carcinogenic effects demonstrated in animal experiments with rats.

September 2001: EPA Declares TNT a Pollutant

In September 2001, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) declared TNT a pollutant whose removal is a priority.

2013: TNT Detection Using Quantum Clusters

In 2013, researchers from the Indian Institutes of Technology discovered that using noble-metal quantum clusters could detect TNT at the sub-zeptomolar (10^-21 mol/m^3) level.