Chemical safety – recognizing explosives: Which of the following substances is NOT an explosive used in detonators or munitions?

Introduction / Context:
Process safety and materials handling require distinguishing energetic materials from benign industrial chemicals. This item tests recognition of common explosives versus a widespread, non-explosive additive used in food, pharma, and industrial formulations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• TNT: high explosive used historically in munitions.
• RDX: high-energy nitramine explosive.
• Lead azide: sensitive primary explosive for detonators.
• CMC: anionic cellulose derivative used as thickener/binder.

Concept / Approach:
Explosives release energy rapidly via exothermic decomposition, often containing nitro or azide groups and used in blasting or military applications. CMC lacks energetic functional groups and is stable under ordinary conditions; it is widely used as a rheology modifier and binder, not as an explosive.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify TNT, RDX, and lead azide as recognized explosives.Recognize CMC as a polymeric thickener with no explosive use.Therefore, select CMC as 'not an explosive'.Emphasize safe handling differences between energetic and inert materials.

Verification / Alternative check:
Material safety data sheets (SDS) classify TNT, RDX, and lead azide with explosive hazard classes, while CMC has low hazard classifications (combustible dust considerations only in fine powders).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
TNT, RDX, and lead azide are unequivocally explosives with established energetic properties.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming any nitrogen-containing compound is explosive; functional group and structure matter.
• Overlooking dust explosion risks for organic powders like CMC under special conditions; this is distinct from being a chemical explosive.

Final Answer:
CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose)