Images Dated 11th May 1998

Molecular model of the explosive TNT

TNT. Molecular model of the explosive TNT, or trinitrotoluene (formula: C7H5N3O6). The atoms are spherical and colour-coded: carbon (blue), oxygen (red), hydrogen (white) and nitrogen (light blue). This chemical was first synthesised in 1863, and found its greatest use as an explosive in weapons in World War 1. In peacetime, explosives are used for demolition and mining work. During detonation, the structure breaks down into several gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen. This sudden change from a solid to many volumes of gas is what gives the explosive its power. TNT has been largely superceded by more efficient and destructive explosives

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