History of TNT in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2026

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a chemical compound (C6H2(NO2)3CH3) primarily recognized as an explosive. While sometimes used in chemical synthesis, its main application is as a powerful explosive material valued for its manageable handling. The explosive yield of TNT serves as a standard benchmark for comparing the power of bombs and even asteroid impacts. Additionally, TNT finds a role in chemistry for producing charge transfer salts.

1902: Adoption by German Armed Forces

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

1907: British Replacement of Lyddite with TNT

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

1910: Exemption from Explosives Act

In 1910, TNT was exempted from the UK's Explosives Act 1875, indicating it was not considered an explosive for manufacturing and storage purposes due to its relative insensitivity.

March 15, 2000: TNT carcinogenic effects upon humans

According to IRIS of March 15, 2000, the effects of TNT upon humans so far amount to none.

September 2001: TNT declared pollutant by USEPA

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

2013: Detection of TNT at sub-zeptomolar Level

In 2013, researchers from the Indian Institutes of Technology discovered they could detect TNT at the sub-zeptomolar level using noble-metal quantum clusters.