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1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is the systematic index name for pentaerythritol tetranitrate, commonly abbreviated PETN.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is a highly energetic organic nitrate ester supplied only in specially controlled or desensitized forms.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has regulated applications in licensed explosives manufacture, specialized analytical work, security research, and historically in antianginal pharmaceutical products.
CAS Number: 78-11-5
EC Number: 201-084-3
Molecular Formula: C5H8N4O12
Molecular Weight: 316.14 g/mol
Synonyms: 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester), Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, Pentaerythrityl Tetranitrate, Pentaerythrite Tetranitrate, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Ester, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Nitrate Ester, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Explosive, PETN, P.E.T.N., PENT, Penthrite, Pentrit, Pentryt, Nitropenta, Nitropentaerythritol, Niperyt, Tetranitrin, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Desensitized, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Wetted, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Pharmaceutical Grade, PETN NF, CAS 78-11-5, EC 201-084-3, PubChem CID 6518, UN 0411, Organic Nitrate Ester, Energetic Nitrate Ester, Vasodilator Nitrate
APPLICATIONS
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used as an energetic material in licensed commercial explosives manufacture.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is incorporated only into products manufactured under explosives regulations.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used where high energy and reliable performance are required from a compact nitrate ester.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) must not be manufactured, modified, or formulated outside authorized facilities.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used in regulated commercial blasting products.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is associated with licensed mining, quarrying, tunneling, and civil-engineering operations.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used only by trained professionals following approved blasting plans.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) products require secure storage, inventory control, and regulated transport.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used in specialized commercial initiation and energy-transfer products.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is commonly supplied in desensitized or incorporated forms rather than as unrestricted dry material.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) product performance and sensitivity depend strongly on its physical form.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) must remain in the form specified by its manufacturer and regulatory approval.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has controlled applications in defense and demolition materials.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is restricted by explosives, security, export-control, and military regulations.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is not an appropriate general-purpose laboratory or educational material.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) access is limited because theft or diversion presents a major public-safety risk.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has been used pharmaceutically as an organic nitrate vasodilator.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has been formulated in stabilized medicinal products intended to prevent angina pectoris.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) pharmaceutical material is diluted and stabilized and is fundamentally different from explosive-grade material.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) pharmaceutical status remains product- and jurisdiction-specific.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used as an analytical reference standard.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used to develop chromatographic, spectrometric, and trace-detection procedures.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is measured in forensic, security, occupational, and environmental samples.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) analytical standards are handled only in minimal quantities under institutional authorization.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used in explosive-detection and security-screening research.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used to validate swab, vapor, chromatographic, spectrometric, and sensor-based detection systems.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used to train qualified forensic and security laboratories.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) testing requires controlled standards, documented custody, and secure waste management.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used in toxicology and cardiovascular research.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is used to investigate organic-nitrate metabolism and vasodilator effects.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is studied for effects including headache, dizziness, vascular relaxation, and lowered blood pressure.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) research must distinguish stabilized pharmaceutical preparations from energetic technical material.
DESCRIPTION
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is pentaerythritol tetranitrate.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) contains four nitrate-ester groups attached to a pentaerythritol-derived carbon framework.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has molecular formula C5H8N4O12 and molecular weight approximately 316.14 g/mol.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has CAS number 78-11-5 and EC number 201-084-3.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is generally a colorless-to-white crystalline solid or powder.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has a representative melting point near 138°C and decomposes rather than undergoing normal boiling.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) has a representative density near 1.77 g/cm³.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is practically insoluble in water and has negligible vapor pressure at room temperature.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) can undergo explosive decomposition after exposure to heat, impact, shock, or friction.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is particularly hazardous when dry and unconfined handling is prohibited.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) is commonly wetted, desensitized, stabilized, or incorporated into finished products to reduce handling sensitivity.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) transport identity depends on its exact concentration, physical form, stabilizer, packaging, and regulatory approval.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) can be absorbed through inhalation or ingestion when particulate material is dispersed.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) can affect the cardiovascular system and produce headache, dizziness, flushing, faintness, and reduced blood pressure.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) repeated medicinal exposure may lead to nitrate tolerance and withdrawal-related cardiovascular effects.
1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester) exposure requires medical assessment when symptoms or significant contact occur.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Name: Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
Index Name: 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis[(nitrooxy)methyl]-, dinitrate (ester)
Common Abbreviation: PETN
Alternative Name: Pentaerythrityl Tetranitrate
Chemical Family: Organic nitrate esters
Chemical Class: Energetic materials
CAS Number: 78-11-5
EC Number: 201-084-3
PubChem CID: 6518
European Index Number: 603-035-00-5
Molecular Formula: C5H8N4O12
Condensed Structural Formula: C(CH2ONO2)4
Molecular Weight: 316.14 g/mol
Nitrate-Ester Functionality: 4
Physical State: Solid
Appearance: Colorless-to-white crystals or crystalline powder
Odor: Essentially odorless
Representative Melting Point: Approximately 138°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable because decomposition occurs
Representative Density: Approximately 1.75–1.77 g/cm³
Water Solubility: Practically insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 25°C
Representative Log Pow: Approximately 1.6
Primary Industrial Function: Regulated energetic material
Other Functions: Pharmaceutical organic nitrate and analytical reference standard
Primary Physical Hazard: Explosive decomposition
Sensitivity Factors: Heat, impact, shock, friction, and drying
Thermal-Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Primary Health Effect: Cardiovascular vasodilation and lowered blood pressure
Potential Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, weakness, flushing, faintness, and nausea
Principal Exposure Routes: Inhalation of particles and ingestion
European Regulatory Status: REACH-registered substance with explosives-related regulatory obligations
Cosmetic Status in the European Union: Prohibited substance
Transport Classification: Explosive; exact UN number and division depend on physical form and desensitization
Representative UN Number for Certain Desensitized Forms: UN 0411
Alternative Transport Designations: Formulation and moisture-content dependent
Storage Conditions: Only in licensed explosives storage under product-specific authorization
Waste Status: Explosive hazardous waste requiring specialist disposal
Regulatory Suitability: Manufacture, possession, purchase, transport, transfer, use, and disposal are strictly jurisdiction dependent
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Do not enter an unsafe explosive atmosphere to attempt a rescue.
Move the affected person to fresh air only when the area has been declared safe.
Keep the person at rest and obtain medical attention for headache, dizziness, weakness, or faintness.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing carefully without generating friction or dispersing dry particles.
Rinse the skin thoroughly with water.
Obtain medical advice after significant contact or if cardiovascular symptoms develop.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses when this can be done easily.
Obtain medical evaluation if irritation or visual symptoms persist.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth and obtain immediate medical assistance.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Monitor for headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, faintness, or cardiovascular instability.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and provide cardiovascular support.
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation, and neurological status.
Consider organic-nitrate exposure and possible delayed or recurrent hypotension.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Handling must be restricted to licensed explosives professionals operating in authorized facilities.
Do not dry, grind, crush, scrape, heat, repackage, or otherwise alter the supplied material.
Do not expose the material to shock, impact, friction, static discharge, sparks, or flame.
Product Form:
Keep the material in its original approved wetted, stabilized, desensitized, or finished-product form.
Do not remove water, stabilizer, diluent, coating, or phlegmatizing material.
Do not combine the product with another chemical or energetic material.
Storage:
Store only in an approved explosives magazine or other legally authorized storage facility.
Maintain security, inventory accountability, access control, and separation distances required by law.
Follow the temperature, packaging, and segregation conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Fire or Heat Exposure:
Evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services with explosives capability.
Do not approach burning, heated, damaged, or unidentified packages.
Firefighting decisions must be made from a protected location by qualified emergency personnel.
Spill or Damaged Package:
Do not touch, sweep, vacuum, collect, or move spilled energetic material.
Isolate the area and prevent vibration, impact, friction, flames, and unauthorized entry.
Contact the licensed manufacturer, explosives officer, or specialist bomb-disposal authority.
Transport:
Use only approved explosives packaging, documentation, vehicles, routes, and trained personnel.
Do not transport the substance as an ordinary chemical or laboratory reagent.
Use the product-specific transport classification rather than assigning a UN number from the chemical name alone.
Disposal:
Do not place the material in ordinary chemical, laboratory, municipal, or industrial waste.
Do not attempt chemical neutralization, burning, dissolution, or physical destruction.
Transfer disposal responsibility to an authorized explosives-waste contractor or competent public authority.
Handling Precautions:
Follow the current product SDS, explosives licence, security plan, transport classification, emergency-response plan, and national regulations.
