Ethylene glycol dinitrate

Ethylene glycol dinitrate

0Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN, NGc, nitroglycol), is a colorless, volatile, and viscous liquid that is a powerful explosive. It is an ester of nitric acid and ethylene glycol.

History

Ethylene glycol dinitrate was first produced in 1857 by Ascanio Sobrero, but it was not until World War I that it was used on a large scale for military purposes. It was primarily used as a component in dynamite and other explosives.

Production

The production of ethylene glycol dinitrate involves the nitration of ethylene glycol with a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. This process is highly exothermic and can lead to violent reactions if not carefully controlled.

Properties

Ethylene glycol dinitrate is a colorless, oily liquid that is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. It has a high explosive velocity and is more powerful than nitroglycerin. It is also highly toxic and can be absorbed through the skin, causing headaches, dizziness, and even heart and lung problems.

Uses

Ethylene glycol dinitrate is primarily used as an explosive. It is often mixed with other materials to form a more stable and safe-to-handle explosive. It is also used in the manufacture of detonators and blasting caps.

Safety

Due to its high sensitivity to shock and friction, ethylene glycol dinitrate must be handled with extreme care. It is also a strong vasodilator, and can cause headaches, dizziness, and even heart and lung problems if absorbed through the skin.

See also

• Nitroglycerin
• Dynamite
• Explosive material