Explosion and Ion Association Chemistry of the Anion Radicals of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, 2,6-Dinitrotoluene, and Trinitrobenzene.

EPR analysis shows that the anion radical of 2,6-dinitrotoluene (DNT) in liquid ammonia exists with the counterion (either K(+) or Na(+)) associated with one of the two nitro groups. This tight association (-NO(2)(*-)M(+)) persists after solvent removal, and it renders the anion radical very susceptible to loss of metal nitrite. The slightest agitation of the solid potassium salt of DNT(*-) leads to detonation, and formation of KNO(2) and polymer (in the solid phase) and CH(4), HCN, H(2), and N(2)O (in the gas phase).