Why is the reaction of TNT so explosive?

An Explosive Material. 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is better known by its initials, TNT. ... However, explosives like TNT, actually have less potential energy than gasoline, but it is the high velocity at which this energy is released that produces the blast pressure. This very high speed reaction is called a detonation. read more

However, explosives like TNT, actually have less potential energy than gasoline, but it is the high velocity at which this energy is released that produces the blast pressure. This very high speed reaction is called a detonation. read more

Trinitrotoluene, or more specifically 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, is a chemical compound with the formula C6H2(NO2)3CH3. This yellow solid is sometimes used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, but it is best known as an explosive material with convenient handling properties. The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the standard measure of bombs and other explosives. In chemistry, TNT is used to generate charge transfer salts. read more

TNT is an example of a relatively powerful explosive that is oxygen deficient. Some explosives are mixtures of chemicals that do not react and are known as composites. A common example is composite B-3 which is made up of a 64/36 mixture of RDX (C 3 H 6 N 6 O 6) and TNT. read more