Nitroglycerin | Description, Properties, & Uses (2024)

chemical compound

verifiedCite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Print

verifiedCite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Also known as: blasting oil, glyceryl trinitrate

Written and fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

Also called:
glyceryl trinitrate
Related Topics:
cardiovascular drug
cordite
dynamite
extra dynamite
gelatinous dynamite

See all related content →

nitroglycerin, a powerful explosive and an important ingredient of most forms of dynamite. It is also used with nitrocellulose in some propellants, especially for rockets and missiles, and medically it is employed as a vasodilator in the easing of cardiac pain.

Pure nitroglycerin is a colourless, oily, somewhat toxic liquid having a sweet, burning taste. It was first prepared in 1846 by the Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero by adding glycerol to a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. The hazards involved in preparing large quantities of nitroglycerin have been greatly reduced by widespread adoption of continuous nitration processes.

Britannica QuizSo Much Chemistry, So Little Time Quiz

Nitroglycerin, with the molecular formula C3H5(ONO2)3, has a high nitrogen content (18.5 percent) and contains sufficient oxygen atoms to oxidize the carbon and hydrogen atoms while nitrogen is being liberated, so that it is one of the most powerful explosives known. Detonation of nitroglycerin generates gases that would occupy more than 1,200 times the original volume at ordinary room temperature and pressure; moreover, the heat liberated raises the temperature to about 5,000 °C (9,000 °F). The overall effect is the instantaneous development of a pressure of 20,000 atmospheres; the resulting detonation wave moves at approximately 7,700 metres per second (more than 17,000 miles per hour). Nitroglycerin is extremely sensitive to shock and to rapid heating; it begins to decompose at 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) and explodes at 218 °C (424 °F).

The safe use of nitroglycerin as a blasting explosive became possible after the Swedish chemist Alfred B. Nobel developed dynamite in the 1860s by combining liquid nitroglycerin with an inert porous material such as charcoal or diatomaceous earth. Nitroglycerin plasticizes collodion (a form of nitrocellulose) to form blasting gelatin, a very powerful explosive. Nobel’s discovery of this action led to the development of ballistite, the first double-base propellant and a precursor of cordite.

A serious problem in the use of nitroglycerin results from its high freezing point (13 °C [55 °F]). This disadvantage is overcome by using mixtures of nitroglycerin with other polynitrates; for example, a mixture of nitroglycerin and ethylene glycol dinitrate freezes at −29 °C (−20 °F).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.

Nitroglycerin | Description, Properties, & Uses (2024)

FAQs

Nitroglycerin | Description, Properties, & Uses? ›

Nitroglycerin is a nitrate vasodilator used to treat or prevent angina, heart failure, hypertension, and anal fissures. Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, 2 is an organic nitrate and a vasodilating agent 17 that was first discovered in 1847.

What are the main uses of nitroglycerin? ›

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilatory drug used primarily to provide relief from anginal chest pain. It is currently FDA approved for the acute relief of an attack or acute prophylaxis of angina pectoris secondary to coronary artery disease.

What was nitroglycerin originally used for? ›

Nitroglycerin, which was originally synthesized by Ascanio Sobrero, was used by Alfred Nobel to manufacture dynamite. It was in Nobel's dynamite factories in the late 1860s that the antianginal effect of nitroglycerin was discovered.

What are 2 actions of nitroglycerin? ›

It works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its work load. When used regularly on a long-term basis, or just before exercise or a stressful event, this helps prevent angina attacks from occurring.

Why was nitroglycerin banned? ›

It was first prepared in 1846 by chemist Ascanio Sobrero at the University of Turin, who was reluctant to publish his work because of the compound's extreme explosiveness. After numerous accidents, the manufacture and distribution of the pure liquid was soon banned in many jurisdictions.

What happens to your body when you take nitroglycerin? ›

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) prevents and treats chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called nitrates.

What happens if you take nitroglycerin when not needed? ›

Dosage for angina (chest pain)

Taking more of this drug than you need can lead to tolerance. This means that, over time, the drug may not work as well to treat your chest pain.

What is the difference between nitroglycerin and nitroglycerine? ›

Nitroglycerin (NG) (alternative spelling of nitroglycerine), also known as trinitroglycerol (TNG), nitro, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), or 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane, is a dense, colorless or pale yellow, oily, explosive liquid most commonly produced by nitrating glycerol with white fuming nitric acid under conditions ...

What was the major problem with nitroglycerin? ›

A serious problem in the use of nitroglycerin results from its high freezing point (13 °C [55 °F]). This disadvantage is overcome by using mixtures of nitroglycerin with other polynitrates; for example, a mixture of nitroglycerin and ethylene glycol dinitrate freezes at −29 °C (−20 °F).

Why is nitroglycerin so powerful? ›

The nitroglycerin in dynamite has stored energy that is given up quickly when it is exploded. The very quick formation of gases produced when the molecules break apart produces the kinetic energy.

What is the rule of 3 nitroglycerin? ›

You must wait 5 minutes after the first 1 or 2 sprays before using a third spray. If you still have chest pain after a total of 3 sprays, contact your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

Can you take nitroglycerin every day? ›

The extended-release capsules are used every day on a specific schedule to prevent angina attacks. The oral spray, sublingual powder, and sublingual tablets work quickly to stop an angina attack that has already started or they can be used to prevent angina if you plan to exercise or expect a stressful event.

What does it mean if chest pain is relieved by nitro? ›

Introduction: It is often believed that chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin is indicative of coronary artery disease origin. Objective: To determine if relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin can be used as a diagnostic test to help differentiate cardiac chest pain and non-cardiac chest pain.

What replaced nitroglycerin? ›

In the United States, in 1885, the chemist Russell S. Penniman invented "ammonium dynamite", a form of explosive that used ammonium nitrate as a substitute for the more costly nitroglycerin. Ammonium nitrate has only 85% of the chemical energy of nitroglycerin.

What is more powerful than nitroglycerin? ›

PETN. One of the most powerful explosive chemicals known to us is PETN, which contains nitro groups which are similar to that in TNT and the nitroglycerin in dynamite. But the presence of more of these nitro groups means it explodes with more power.

What drugs should never be given with nitroglycerin? ›

Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), certain drugs to treat migraine headaches (ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine), riociguat, vericiguat.

When should you give nitroglycerin? ›

Adults—1 tablet placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 tablet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. To prevent angina from exercise or stress, use 1 tablet 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.

What is nitroglycerin used for in the emergency department? ›

Topical nitroglycerin (NTG) is a commonly used medication in the treatment of patients presenting in acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) to the emergency department (ED).

What are the industrial uses of nitroglycerin? ›

Discovered in 1846 by Ascanio Sobrero, nitroglycerin has been used as an active ingredient in the manufacture of explosives, namely dynamite, and as such it is employed in the construction, demolition, and mining industries.

Top Articles
Xur's Strange Favor Ranks & points required - Destiny 2
Are Crypto Cold Wallets Safe? Ledger Cites “Phishing Attack” behind the Hack
Katie Pavlich Bikini Photos
Gamevault Agent
Hocus Pocus Showtimes Near Harkins Theatres Yuma Palms 14
Free Atm For Emerald Card Near Me
Craigslist Mexico Cancun
Hendersonville (Tennessee) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Doby's Funeral Home Obituaries
Vardis Olive Garden (Georgioupolis, Kreta) ✈️ inkl. Flug buchen
Select Truck Greensboro
Things To Do In Atlanta Tomorrow Night
Non Sequitur
How To Cut Eelgrass Grounded
Pac Man Deviantart
Alexander Funeral Home Gallatin Obituaries
Craigslist In Flagstaff
Shasta County Most Wanted 2022
Energy Healing Conference Utah
Testberichte zu E-Bikes & Fahrrädern von PROPHETE.
Aaa Saugus Ma Appointment
Geometry Review Quiz 5 Answer Key
Walgreens Alma School And Dynamite
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 3 - New Living Translation
Yisd Home Access Center
Home
Shadbase Get Out Of Jail
Gina Wilson Angle Addition Postulate
Celina Powell Lil Meech Video: A Controversial Encounter Shakes Social Media - Video Reddit Trend
Walmart Pharmacy Near Me Open
A Christmas Horse - Alison Senxation
Ou Football Brainiacs
Access a Shared Resource | Computing for Arts + Sciences
Pixel Combat Unblocked
Cvs Sport Physicals
Mercedes W204 Belt Diagram
Rogold Extension
'Conan Exiles' 3.0 Guide: How To Unlock Spells And Sorcery
Teenbeautyfitness
Weekly Math Review Q4 3
Facebook Marketplace Marrero La
Nobodyhome.tv Reddit
Topos De Bolos Engraçados
Gregory (Five Nights at Freddy's)
Grand Valley State University Library Hours
Holzer Athena Portal
Hampton In And Suites Near Me
Stoughton Commuter Rail Schedule
Bedbathandbeyond Flemington Nj
Free Carnival-themed Google Slides & PowerPoint templates
Otter Bustr
Selly Medaline
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6000

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.