Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (CAS 78-11-5), also known as penthrite, is a high-energy nitrate ester.

Where is Pentaerythritol tetranitrate used?

• Medicine: vasodilator active ingredient
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: sustained-release tablets and transdermal patches for angina pectoris
• Defense and aerospace: primary explosive and detonator component
• Defense and aerospace: base charge in detonators and component in flexible linear shaped charges
• Booster explosive in munitions trains and PETN-based sheet explosives for aerospace structural severance systems and satellite separation mechanisms
• Specialty pyrotechnic formulators incorporate it into detonating cord, where its high detonation velocity ensures reliable signal transmission across long distances.

Good to know: Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to BP and Ph. Eur. specifications for use in medicinal formulations. Defense-grade supply follows military specifications and strict licensing; all shipments are subject to end-user certification and export control requirements.