Accession Number:

AD0769670

Title:

Photochemistry of TNT: Investigation of the 'Pink Water' Problem

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

NAVAL ORDNANCE LAB WHITE OAK MD

Personal Author(s):

• Burlinson, Nicholas E.
• Kaplan, Lloyd A.
• Adams, Charles E.

Report Date:

1973-10-03

Pagination or Media Count:

28.0

Abstract:

Irradiated aqueous solutions of TNT pink water were found to contain numerous organic compounds. Eight photo-decomposition products, amounting to 20 by weight of the photolyzed TNT, have been identified as 1,3,5- trinitrobenzene, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzaldehyde, 4,6-dinitroanthranil, 2,4,6- trinitrobenzonitrile, and four isomers of tetranitroazoxytoluene. Suggestions are put forth on the nature of the 80 photo-decomposition products remaining unidentified in the pink water based on the photolysis results of the individual photo-products isolated. Evidence is also presented on the nature of the primary photolytic process based on deuterium exchange experiments and the measurement of photo-decomposition at various acidities.

Descriptors:

• *TNT
• *PHOTOLYSIS
• CHEMICALS
• THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
• CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
• NITROBENZENES
• TOLUENES
• PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS

Subject Categories:

• Radiation and Nuclear Chemistry
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE