The nitration of toluene gives sequentially mononitrotoluene, DNT, and finally TNT.

[5] 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.

Dinitrotoluene is frequently used as a plasticizer, deterrent coating, and burn rate modifier in propellants (e.g., smokeless gunpowders).

Its United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Number is D030.