2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid is an organic compound with the formula ₃C₆H₂CO₂H. It is a high explosive nitrated derivative of benzoic acid.

Preparation and reactions

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid is prepared by oxidation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. It is formed by oxidation of TNT and nitric acid with chlorate and with dichromate.
Upon heating, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid undergoes decarboxylation to give 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene. Reduction with tin gives 2,4,6-triaminobenzenoic acid, a precursor to phloroglucinol.