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