Abstract: The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is desensitized by dissolving it in oleum of from 10 to 40% (by weight) in strength. The solutions formed preferably contain at least 400 g and at most 480 g of dissolved TNT per liter of oleum in oleum of 20-25% strength. They are especially useful for the preparation of phloroglucinol.