trinitrotoluene (TNT)
, a pale yellow, solid organic
nitrogen
compound
used chiefly as an
explosive
, prepared by stepwise nitration of
toluene
. Because TNT melts at 82° C (178° F) and does not explode below 240° C (464° F), it can be melted in steam-heated vessels and poured into casings. It is relatively insensitive to shock and cannot be exploded without a
detonator
. For these reasons it is the most favoured chemical explosive, extensively used in munitions and for demolitions.