2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid

Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (C₆H₃N₃O₉S) is a nitroaryl oxidizing acid. Due to its extreme oxidative properties, if mixed with reducing agents including hydrides, sulfides, and nitrides, 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 or potassium hydroxide 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.

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid

Names
Preferred IUPAC name 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene-1-sulfonic acid
Other names Picrylsulfonic acid; Trinitrobenzene sulfonate; TNBS
Identifiers
CAS Number	2508-19-2 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Beilstein Reference	572358
ChEBI	CHEBI:53063 Y
ChEMBL	ChEMBL3586251
ChemSpider	10577 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.017.925
EC Number	219-717-7
Gmelin Reference	1051138
PubChem CID	11045
UNII	8T3HQG2ZC4 Y
UN number	0386
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID0043715
InChI InChI=1S/C6H3N3O9S/c10-7(11)3-1-4(8(12)13)6(19(16,17)18)5(2-3)9(14)15/h1-2H,(H,16,17,18) Y Key: NHJVRSWLHSJWIN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C6H3N3O9S/c10-7(11)3-1-4(8(12)13)6(19(16,17)18)5(2-3)9(14)15/h1-2H,(H,16,17,18) Key: NHJVRSWLHSJWIN-UHFFFAOYAG
SMILES O=S(=O)(O)c1c(cc(cc1[N+]([O-])=O)[N+]([O-])=O)[N+]([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	C6H3N3O9S
Molar mass	293.16 g·mol−1
Density	0.955 g/cm3
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Danger
Hazard statements	H317, H334
Precautionary statements	P261, P272, P280, P285, P302+P352, P304+P341, P321, P333+P313, P342+P311, P363, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	2 4 4 OX
Related compounds
Related compounds	Picric acid Trinitroanisole
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

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 in the colon of laboratory animals in order to model inflammatory bowel disease and post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.

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 be used along with either foam or CO₂ extinguishers.