Difference between revisions of "Erythritol tetranitrate"

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Erythritol tetranitrate is an odorless white solid compound. It is insoluble in water, but very soluble in [[acetone]] and other ketones, as well as alcohol. Its solubility in alcohol decreases as the alcohol weight increases.
 
Erythritol tetranitrate is an odorless white solid compound. It is insoluble in water, but very soluble in [[acetone]] and other ketones, as well as alcohol. Its solubility in alcohol decreases as the alcohol weight increases.
  
 +
===Explosive===
 
ETN has a high velocity of detonation (VOC) of 8000–8100 m/s, at a density of 1.6 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. As an explosive, ETN is somewhat sensitive to shock and friction, though less so than most common sensitive explosives.
 
ETN has a high velocity of detonation (VOC) of 8000–8100 m/s, at a density of 1.6 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. As an explosive, ETN is somewhat sensitive to shock and friction, though less so than most common sensitive explosives.
  

Revision as of 18:55, 29 May 2016

Erythritol tetranitrate
Names
IUPAC name
[(2R,3R)-1,3,4-Trinitrooxybutan-2-yl] nitrate
Systematic IUPAC name
Erythritol tetranitrate
Other names
Meso-1,2,3,4-tetrakis-nitrooxy-butane
Erythrityl tetranitrate
ETN
Tetra-O-nitro-erythritol
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images Image
Properties
C4H6N4O12
Molar mass 302.11 g/mol
Appearance White solid
Density 1.827 g/cm3
Melting point 61 °C (142 °F; 334 K)
Boiling point 160 °C (320 °F; 433 K) (decomposes)
Insoluble
Solubility Soluble in acetone, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol
Hazards
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Methyl nitrate
Ethylene glycol dinitrate
Nitroglycerin
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Erythritol tetranitrate or ETN is an explosive compound. Unlike other explosive materials, such as TNT, PETN, ETN is much easier to manufacture and has positive oxygen balance, which gives it a better performance.

Properties

Chemical

ETN is about 3 times more sensitive than PETN and is more sensitive to friction than the former mentioned compound. The decomposition of ETN is oxygen positive:

C4H6N4O12 → 4 CO2 + 3 H2O + N2 + 3/2 O2

Physical

Erythritol tetranitrate is an odorless white solid compound. It is insoluble in water, but very soluble in acetone and other ketones, as well as alcohol. Its solubility in alcohol decreases as the alcohol weight increases.

Explosive

ETN has a high velocity of detonation (VOC) of 8000–8100 m/s, at a density of 1.6 g/cm3. As an explosive, ETN is somewhat sensitive to shock and friction, though less so than most common sensitive explosives.

Erythritol tetranitrate is known for having a very long shelf life, samples stored at room temperature show no signs of decomposition even after after four years.

Availability

Erythritol tetranitrate is not sold by almost any entities, even big chemical suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich don't have it in their stock.

Preparation

Erythritol tetranitrate can be prepared by nitrating erythritol using a nitrating mixture. It can be extracted from the reaction product by dissolving it in ethanol and then adding water, which causes it to precipitate.[1]

Projects

  • Make blasting charge

Handling

Safety

Erythritol tetranitrate is sensitive to strong shock and friction, and may explode. If consumed, it results in severe headaches, due to being a strong vasodilator, property seen in other nitrated organic compounds.

Storage

ETN should be stored in closed non-metal spark free containers, preferably in special cabinets. For safety reasons avoid storing large amounts.

Disposal

ETN can be neutralized with an excess solution of sodium hydroxide.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.google.com/patents/US2301231

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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