2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid (TNBA) is an

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with the formula (O₂N)₃C₆H₂CO₂H. It is a

high explosive An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An exp ...

nitrated derivative of

benzoic acid Benzoic acid () is a white (or colorless) solid organic compound with the formula , whose structure consists of a benzene ring () with a carboxyl () substituent. The benzoyl group is often abbreviated "Bz" (not to be confused with "Bn," which ...

Preparation and reactions

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid is prepared by

oxidation Redox ( , , reduction–oxidation or oxidation–reduction) is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of the reactants change. Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state, while reduction is ...

of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is formed by oxidation of TNT and

nitric acid Nitric acid is an inorganic compound with the formula . It is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The compound is colorless, but samples tend to acquire a yellow cast over time due to decomposition into nitrogen oxide, oxides of nitrogen. Most com ...

with chlorate and with dichromate. Upon heating, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid undergoes decarboxylation to give

1,3,5-trinitrobenzene 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene is one of three isomers of trinitrobenzene with the formula C6H3(NO2)3. A pale yellow solid, the compound is highly explosive. Synthesis and reactions 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene is produced by decarboxylation of 2,4,6-trinitrob ...

. Reduction with tin gives 2,4,6-triaminobenzenoic acid, a precursor to

phloroglucinol Phloroglucinol is an organic compound with the formula C6H3(OH)3. It is a colorless solid. It is used in the organic synthesis, synthesis of pharmaceuticals and explosives. Phloroglucinol is one of three isomeric benzenetriols. The other two isom ...

(1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene).

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trinitrobenzoic acid, 2,4,6- Explosive chemicals Benzoic acids Nitrobenzene derivatives