C-14-TNT synthesis revisited

Mineralization experiments requiring the synthesis of substantial amounts o f [ring-C-14]trinitrotoluene, led us to reinvestigate die published procedu res for labeled TNT. Here we describe an efficient, economical and reproduc ible procedure that results in crystalline C-14-TNT in 83 % yield with chem ical and radiochemical purity of > 99 %. Determination of the specific acti vity (1.12 GBq/mmol) by mass spectrometry disclosed that the radioactive TN T molecules exhibit an uneven distribution of four to six aromatic C-14-ato ms.