what is tnt made out of
TNT is made by adding 3 NO 2 groups (from nitric acid) to toluene. At low temperatures, the mononitrotoluenes are made, and as the reaction temperature is increased the dinitro compounds are formed, until eventually TNT is formed. TNT is explosive for two reasons. First, it contains the elements carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, which means that when the material burns it produces highly stable substances (CO, CO 2 and N 2) with strong bonds, so releasing a great deal of energy.