Most DNT is used in the production of
toluene diisocyanate, which is used to produce flexible
polyurethane foams. DNT is
hydrogenated to produce
2,4-toluenediamine, which in turn is
phosgenated to give
toluene diisocyanate. In this way, about 1.4 billion kilograms are produced annually, as of the years 1999–2000. Other uses include the explosives industry. It is not used by itself as an explosive, but some of the production is converted to TNT. Dinitrotoluene is frequently used as a
plasticizer, deterrent coating, and burn rate modifier in
propellants (e.g.,
smokeless gunpowders). As it is
carcinogenic and toxic, modern formulations tend to avoid its use. In this application it is often used together with
dibutyl phthalate. ==Toxicity==