Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (CAS No: 78-11-5) Supplier in Europe

Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) is a powerful explosive commonly utilized in both military and industrial applications.

Its high detonation velocity and stability make it a critical component in the manufacturing of detonating cords and plastic explosives.

In addition to its explosive properties, PETN is sometimes used in medicine for treating certain heart conditions, highlighting its versatile nature.

The compound’s chemical structure allows for a controlled release, making it effective in small doses.

Understanding PETN’s dual role in both destructive and therapeutic fields can shed light on its broader importance.

Its unique properties ensuring efficiency and stability bring significant value in various critical applications.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) is a potent explosive with specific molecular and physical attributes.

It maintains high chemical stability under normal conditions, making it a critical component in various applications.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of PETN is C₅H₈N₄O₁₂. This equation indicates that the compound consists of five carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, four nitrogen atoms, and twelve oxygen atoms.

Its structure features a central pentaerythritol core with four nitrate groups attached. The arrangement helps maximize its explosive potential by ensuring a high oxygen balance, which contributes to its effectiveness.

Physical Characteristics

PETN appears as a white crystalline solid at room temperature.

It has a relatively high melting point of about 141 to 142 degrees Celsius, which facilitates its safe handling and storage.

The density of PETN is approximately 1.77 g/cm³, signifying its compact, energy-dense nature.

Furthermore, PETN exhibits minimal solubility in water but is soluble in organic solvents like acetone, making it fairly versatile in various applications.

Chemical Stability

PETN is chemically stable under standard storage conditions.

It resists decomposition when kept away from extreme heat, impact, and friction.

This stability is beneficial for its use in demolition, military, and industrial settings.

The nitrate groups in PETN can act as oxidizers, contributing to its high explosive power while maintaining a degree of resistance to accidental detonation, which makes it both effective and reliable for controlled uses.

Synthesis and Production

Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) is synthesized using distinct industrial and laboratory methods. These procedures ensure high purity and efficient production tailored for specific applications.

Industrial Synthesis Methods

Industrial synthesis of PETN commonly involves the nitration of pentaerythritol with a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. This process typically occurs in two stages.

First, pentaerythritol is mixed with nitric acid under controlled temperatures. Then, the addition of sulfuric acid facilitates the nitration reaction.

Key Materials:

• Pentaerythritol
• Nitric Acid
• Sulfuric Acid

Steps:

1. Pentaerythritol is dissolved in nitric acid.
2. Sulfuric acid is slowly added to the mixture.
3. The reaction is carefully monitored to control temperature and acidity levels.
4. The final product, PETN, is precipitated, washed, and dried.

Laboratory Preparation

In laboratory settings, PETN can be prepared on a smaller scale using a similar nitration process. High purity reagents and precise control of reaction conditions are essential to achieve optimum results.

Key Equipment:

• Fume hood
• Ice bath
• Stirring apparatus

Procedure:

1. Add pentaerythritol to cooled nitric acid under stirring.
2. Gradually incorporate sulfuric acid while maintaining low temperatures.
3. Extract the product after the reaction completes.
4. Purify PETN through a series of recrystallizations and washes.

By managing these steps meticulously, researchers ensure the synthesis yields high-quality PETN.

Applications

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is widely known for its dual use in both medical settings and as a powerful explosive. Understanding the contexts in which PETN is utilized can shed light on its multifaceted role.

Medical Uses

PETN is used in the medical field primarily for its vasodilating properties.

It is an active ingredient in certain medications aimed at treating angina pectoris, a condition marked by severe chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart.

The drug works by relaxing blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscles.

Administration is typically via sublingual tablets, transdermal patches, or intravenous injections.

PETN‘s ability to provide quick relief makes it valuable in managing acute angina episodes.

Patients with chronic angina may use it in combination with other nitrates under medical supervision.

Special caution is necessary since its explosive properties require safe handling during pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage.

Explosive Component

PETN is also renowned for its use in explosives, owing to its high detonation velocity and stability.

It is a key ingredient in various military and industrial explosives, often found in detonating cords, boosters, and plastic explosives.

PETN’s high energy release upon detonation makes it particularly effective for creating controlled explosions in demolitions and mining operations.

In the military, PETN is a critical component of both composite explosives like Semtex and sophisticated ordnance.

It’s valued for its brisance, which refers to the shattering capability of an explosive.

Despite its potency, handling PETN requires stringent safety measures, given its sensitive nature to shock and friction.