Abstract |
The 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) isomers, Chemical Abstracts Service Nos. 121-14-2 and 606-20-2, respectively, are yellow to reddish crystal solids at room temperature. Both isomers are moderately soluble in water (0.30 g/L and 0.18 g/L, respectively). They have a low affinity for organic particulate matter (Koc 1.65 and Koc 1.96, respectively) and thus are highly mobile in soil. A mixture of 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT and other DNTs is used as an explosive commonly called DNT, or technical grade-DNT. 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT also are used in the production of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The mixture is also used as a modifier for smokeless powders in the munitions industry, in the production of waterproofing for explosives, as dye intermediates, as a plasticizer in propellants, as a gelatinizing agent, in airbags of automobiles, and as an intermediate in the production of TNT, urethane polymers, flexible and rigid foams, surface coatings, and dyes. |