Nitroglycerine

Nitroglycerin, whose IUPAC name is 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane and which is also known as trinitroglycerin (TNG ) or glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), is an organic compound, which is obtained by mixing concentrated nitric acid, sulfuric acid and glycerin. Its molecular formula is C₃H₅N₃O₉.

The result is highly explosive. It is a liquid at room temperature, which makes it very sensitive to any movement, making it very difficult to handle, although relative stability can be achieved by adding some substances, such as aluminum.

Generally, it is transported in padded boxes at a low temperature to reduce the risk of explosion, since if it exceeds 41 °C (estimated limit temperature), a very violent reaction occurs due to intermolecular agitation:

4C₃H₅(NON)₃)₃(l) → 12CO₂(g) + 10H₂O(g) + O₂(g) + 6N₂(g)

Nitroglycerin is the main component of some explosive mixtures such as dynamite (composed of 65% nitroglycerin, 30% guncotton, 3.5% saltpeter, and 1.5% sodium carbonate). It is also a component of vasodilator drugs.

History

Nitroglycerin was discovered by the Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero in 1847, while working at the University of Turin. In 1867, the chemist Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) created dynamite by absorbing nitroglycerin in an inert, porous material (such as silica, brick dust, dry clay, plaster, coal, etc.).

When Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, which is safer, the use of "nitro" (as it is also called) to be replaced by the new invention.

Nitroglycerin was the first scientifically practical explosive with greater potency than black powder.

Nitroglycerin in pharmacology

In medicine, nitroglycerin is used as a vasodilator for the treatment of coronary ischemic disease, acute myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. It is administered by oral, transdermal, sublingual, or intravenous routes. An overdose can cause methemoglobinemia.