New synthetic routes to the three isomeric tetranitrotoluenes 1-3 are described, including the previously unreported 2,3,4,5-tetranitrotoluene (1). Methods include peroxydisulfuric acid oxidation of trinitrotoluidines and hypophosphorous acid reduction of diazonium salts derived from tetranitrotoluidines. Synthesis of selected trinitrotoluidine precursors is also discussed.
New synthetic routes to the three isomeric tetranitrotoluenes 1-3 are described, including the previously unreported 2,3,4,5-tetranitrotoluene (1). Methods include peroxydisulfuric acid oxidation of trinitrotoluidines and hypophosphorous acid reduction of diazonium salts derived from tetranitrotoluidines. Synthesis of selected trinitrotoluidine precursors is also discussed.