Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (C
6H
3N
3O
9S) is a
nitroaryl oxidizing
Redox ( , , reduction–oxidation or oxidation–reduction) is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of the reactants change. Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state, while reduction is ...
acid
An acid is a molecule or ion capable of either donating a proton (i.e. Hydron, hydrogen cation, H+), known as a Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory, Brønsted–Lowry acid, or forming a covalent bond with an electron pair, known as a Lewis ...
. Due to its extreme oxidative properties, if mixed with reducing agents including
hydride
In chemistry, a hydride is formally the anion of hydrogen (H−), a hydrogen ion with two electrons. In modern usage, this is typically only used for ionic bonds, but it is sometimes (and has been more frequently in the past) applied to all che ...
s,
sulfide
Sulfide (also sulphide in British English) is an inorganic anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound containing one or more S2− ions. Solutions of sulfide salts are corrosive. ''Sulfide'' also refers to large families o ...
s, and
nitride
In chemistry, a nitride is a chemical compound of nitrogen. Nitrides can be inorganic or organic, ionic or covalent. The nitride anion, N3−, is very elusive but compounds of nitride are numerous, although rarely naturally occurring. Some nitr ...
s, it may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in almost immediate detonation. The aromatic nitro compounds may explode in the presence of a base such as
sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula . It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations and hydroxide anions .
Sodium hydroxide is a highly corrosive base (chemistry), ...
or
potassium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula K OH, and is commonly called caustic potash.
Along with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), KOH is a prototypical strong base. It has many industrial and niche applications, most of which utili ...
even in the presence of water or organic solvents because of the explosive tendencies of aromatic nitro compounds which increase in the presence of multiple nitro groups. Not much is known about this compound, but it is used as a peptide terminal amino group neutralizer and is currently being investigated for its effects on the immune system.
Uses
Its primary usage is primarily to neutralize peptide terminal amino groups in scientific research. Occasionally it is used as a detonator for certain other explosive compounds.
It is also used to induce
colitis
Colitis is swelling or inflammation
Inflammation (from ) is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and ...
in the colon of laboratory animals in order to model
inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) being the principal types. Crohn's disease affects the small intestine and large intestine ...
and post-infectious
irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that commonly include abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and changes in the consistency of bowel movements. These symptoms may ...
.
Health concerns and safety precautions
The primary hazard of working with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid is the risk of instantaneous explosion. 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid is an extremely sensitive compound especially when mixed with other compounds, exposed to heat, or exposed to rapid temperature or pressure changes. The toxicological properties of this compound have not been investigated, so all health effects are unknown. To best prevent bodily harm or injury it is recommended that all direct contact be avoided and the compound be kept under extremely strict environmentally controlled conditions. In case of spillage it is recommended that a local fire department be called in advance prior to any attempt at cleaning. In case of fire it is recommended that the material be left to burn and the surrounding area be evacuated. If fire fighting is required it is recommended that a fully positive pressure
self-contained breathing apparatus
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a respirator worn to provide an autonomous supply of breathable gas in an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health from a gas cylinder. They are typically used in firefighting a ...
be used along with either foam or CO
2 extinguishers.
savety
cameochemicals.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, 2,4,6-
Explosive chemicals
Nitrobenzene derivatives
Benzenesulfonic acids
Liquid explosives