Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (also known as PETN and PENT) is a powerful explosive material. It is a nitrate ester related to the more well-known nitroglycerin. Less sensitive to shock and friction than nitroglycerin, PETN is widely used in industrial and military applications.

Chemical Structure

PETN is a nitrate ester, a class of compounds that also includes the well-known explosive nitroglycerin. The chemical formula of PETN is C5H8N4O12. It is a white, crystalline material that is stable under normal conditions but can be detonated by a strong shock.

Production

PETN is produced by the reaction of pentaerythritol with concentrated nitric acid. This reaction is highly exothermic and must be carefully controlled to prevent a runaway reaction.

Uses

PETN is used in a variety of applications. It is a component of a number of different types of explosives, including detonating cord, plastic explosives, and mining explosives. It is also used in the medical field as a vasodilator to treat heart conditions.

Safety

PETN is a powerful explosive and must be handled with care. It is less sensitive to shock and friction than nitroglycerin, but it can still be detonated by a strong shock. It is stable under normal conditions, but it can be sensitive to heat and flame.

See Also

• Nitroglycerin
• Pentaerythritol
• Explosive material