What are the materials for producing TNT explosive? What are the penalties for illegal trade of TNT Explosives in Vietnam?

Hello, Lawnet would like to answer as follows:

1. What are the materials for producing TNT explosive?

TNT (trinitrotoluene) is an explosive with a chemical formula of C6H2(NO2)3CH3 and an IUPAC chemical name of 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene. TNT explosive is made directly from a chemical called methylbenzene (C6H5CH3), also known as toluene.

TNT explosives are mainly used in the military field, such as being packed into bombs, mines, artillery shells, grenades, detonators, and blasting explosives.

In addition, TNT is also used as an explosive mixture and is considered a standard measure when talking about the destructive power of bombs and explosives, such as comparing the explosive power of a nuclear bomb dropped by the US on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, which is equivalent to 16,000 tons of TNT.

2. The process of producing TNT

The process of producing TNT (trinitrotoluene) begins with toluene or methylbenzene (C6H5CH3). In the first step, toluene undergoes nitration when mixed with nitric acid (HNO₃) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), causing the nitro groups (NO₂) to replace the hydro groups in the toluene molecule. The end result is trinitrotoluene, or TNT.

Chemical equation: C6H5CH3 + 3HNO3 → 3H2O + C6H2CH3(NO2)3

3. What are the penalties for illegal trade of TNT Explosives in Vietnam?

The law strictly prohibits the buying and selling of illegal explosives, including TNT explosives.

Specifically, based on Article 305 of the Penal Code 2015 (amended in 2017), the illegal trade of TNT Explosives will be prosecuted for criminal liability for Illegal trading of explosive materials according to the penalty frame as follows:

Frame 1:

Any person who illegally manufactures, possesses, transports, uses, deals in or appropriates explosive materials shall face a penalty of 01 - 05 years' imprisonment.

Frame 2:

This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 03 – 10 years' imprisonment:

+ The offence is committed by an organized group;

+ The quantity of explosive is from 10 kg to under 30 kg;

+ The quantity of explosive accessories is high;

+ Illegal goods are transported or traded across the border;

+ The offence results in the death of a person;

+ The offence causes ≥ 61% WPI for another person;

+ The offence causes a total WPI of 61% - 121% for more than one person;

+ The property damage caused by the offence is assessed at from VND 100,000,000 to under VND 500,000,000;

+ Dangerous recidivism.

Frame 3:

This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 07 - 15 years' imprisonment:

+ The quantity of explosive is from 30 kg to under 100 kg;

+ The offence results in the death of 02 people;

+ The offence causes a total WPI of 122% - 200% for more than one person;

+ The property damage caused by the offence is assessed at from VND 500,000,000 to under VND 1,500,000,000.

Frame 4:

This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 15 - 20 years' imprisonment or life imprisonment:

+ The quantity of explosive is ≥ 100 kg;

+ The offence results in the death of ≥ 03 people;

+ The offence causes a total WPI of ≥ 201% for ≥ 03 people;

+ The property damage caused by the offence is assessed at ≥ VND 1,500,000,000.

In addition, the offender may also be fined from 10,000,000 VND to 50,000,000 VND, placed on probation or banned from residence for 01 year to 05 years.

Best regards!

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