Pentaerithrityl tetranitrate

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), also known as PENT, PENTA, ten, corpent, pentrite, or more rarely and primarily in the German-speaking countries as pentrit, is a chemical compound with the formula C(CH2ONO2)4. It is one of the most powerful high explosives known, with a relative effectiveness factor of 1.66.

History

PETN was first prepared and patented in 1894 by the explosives manufacturer Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff-Fabriken, which was later absorbed by the chemical conglomerate IG Farben. The production of PETN started in 1912, when the first world war broke out.

Properties

PETN is a powerful explosive material with a relative effectiveness factor of 1.66. When detonated, it produces a shock wave with a velocity of approximately 8,300 meters per second. PETN is highly sensitive to shock and friction. PETN has a melting point of 141.3 degrees Celsius.

Uses

PETN was widely used during World War I and remains popular with military and industrial users today. It is used in a variety of applications, including as a booster for other explosives, in blasting caps, and in detonating cords. PETN is also used in medicine, where it is used as a vasodilator to treat heart conditions.

Safety

Due to its high sensitivity to shock and friction, PETN must be handled with care. It is classified as a Class 1.1D explosive, meaning it poses a high explosion risk.

See also

• Explosive material
• Nitroglycerin
• RDX