Ascanio Sobrero

Ascanio Sobrero (12 October 1812 – 26 May 1888) was an Italian chemist who is best known for inventing nitroglycerin, a highly explosive liquid used in dynamite and in many other explosives. Sobrero's discovery of nitroglycerin in 1847 marked a significant milestone in the development of explosive materials and had a profound impact on both the mining industry and the construction of infrastructure projects around the world.

Early Life and Education

Ascanio Sobrero was born in Casale Monferrato, Piedmont, in the Kingdom of Sardinia. He pursued his higher education in Turin, where he studied chemistry under the guidance of the renowned chemist Théophile-Jules Pelouze in Paris. Sobrero's interest in chemistry, particularly in the field of explosives, was greatly influenced by his academic mentor.

Career and Discovery

After completing his studies, Sobrero returned to Italy, where he began his research into nitric acid and its compounds. His experiments led to the discovery of nitroglycerin, which he initially named "pyroglycerine" due to its explosive properties. Sobrero was aware of the potential dangers of nitroglycerin and was initially hesitant to publicize his discovery. He was concerned about the ethical implications of his work and the potential for misuse of such a powerful explosive.

Despite his reservations, Sobrero published his findings in 1847, detailing the process for creating nitroglycerin and warning of its dangers. His discovery attracted the attention of Alfred Nobel, who later developed a safer, more stable form of nitroglycerin that could be used commercially. Nobel's work led to the invention of dynamite, which revolutionized the construction and mining industries.

Later Life and Legacy

Sobrero continued his research in chemistry throughout his life, although he never achieved the same level of fame as his discovery of nitroglycerin. He held a professorship at the University of Turin and contributed to various fields of chemistry beyond explosives.

Ascanio Sobrero died in Turin in 1888. His work on nitroglycerin laid the groundwork for future developments in explosives and had a lasting impact on industrial and military applications. Today, Sobrero is remembered as a pioneer in the field of explosives chemistry, and his ethical concerns about the use of his discovery highlight the complex relationship between scientific innovation and its implications for society.

See Also

• Explosive material
• Alfred Nobel
• Dynamite
• Chemistry