PETN
'PETN'\ (
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate) is one of the strongest known
high explosives. It is more sensitive to shock or friction than
TNT or tetryl, and it is never used alone as a booster. It is primarily used in booster and bursting charges of small caliber
ammunition, in upper charges of detonators in some land mines and shells, and as the explosive core of
primacord.
PETN is also used as a vasodilator.
PETN formula is C(CH2ONO2)4. It melts toward 141°C. Its preparation involves nitration of pentaerythritol with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid.
C(CH2OH)4 + 4HNO3 -> C(CH2ONO2)4 + 4H2O