TNT is short for trinitrotoluene, a powerful solid explosive. TNT is made up of the chemical elements nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The explosive is made by nitrating the chemical compound toluene. The resulting explosive forms in pale yellow crystals that may darken to brown. These crystals of TNT can be handled safely. TNT may even be melted at low heat without igniting, and so can be molded to increase its usefulness. TNT is used alone and in mixtures with other explosives, such as PETN, RDX, and ammonium nitrate. It is chiefly used as the explosive charge for shells and bombs. See also Explosive .
