The little-known explosive 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) has not replaced TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene ) in spite of superior detonation velocity and pressure of TNB. [1-3] The main reason for this is the economics; the most commonly cited synthesis of TNB involves oxidation of TNT to trinitrobenzoic acid followed by decarboxylation. [3] Direct nitration of benzene requires such harsh conditions that yields are poor and purification of TNB is very difficult. Even the use of modern ...
