Tetryl

Tetryl is a sensitive explosive compound used to make detonators. It has a slight yellow color, and decomposes at 129°C. Its relative density is 1.73. It is produced by action of a mix of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid on dimethylaniline. Its IUPAC name is 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-n-methylnitramine. Its chemical formula is ₅₅₈. Some commonly used names are nitramine, tetralite, and tetril.

Tetryl is an odorless, synthetic, yellow crystal-like solid that is not found naturally in the environment. Under certain conditions, tetryl can exist as dust in air. It dissolves slightly in water and in other liquids.

Tetryl was used to make explosives, mostly during World Wars I and II. It is no longer manufactured or used in the United States.

See also

• hexanitrobenzene
• trinitrotoluene