Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a pale yellow, solid organic nitrogen compound used chiefly as an explosive, is prepared by stepwise nitration of toluene. Because TNT melts at 82° C (178° F) and does not explode below 240° C (464° F), it can be melted in steam-heated vessels and poured into casings. It is relatively insensitive to shock and cannot be exploded without a detonator. For these reasons, it is the most favored chemical explosive, extensively used in munitions and for demolitions.

Source: Britannica