Definition
ChEBI: 3,4-dinitrotoluene is a dinitrotoluene in which the methyl group is meta to one of the nitro groups and para to the other. A uellow crystalline compound that is virtually insoluble in water but dissolves in most organic solvents. It has a role as an explosive.
General Description
Yellow to red solid or heated liquid with a slight odor. Solidifies in cool water. Solid and liquid sink in water .
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
3,4-DINITROTOLUENE may explode when exposed to heat or flame [USCG, 1999].
Health Hazard
INHALATION, INGESTION OR SKIN ABSORPTION: Headache, weakness, nausea or dizziness, cyanosis, drowsiness, shortness of breath and collapse. EYES AND SKIN: Can burn eyes and skin.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion. Mutation data reported. A skin
irritant. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also 2,4
DINITROTOLUENE.
Purification Methods
Steam distil it and crystallise it from *C6H6/pet ether. Store it with 10% of H2O to avoid EXPLOSION.[Beilstein 5 H 341, 5 III 761, 5 IV 866.]
