PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE Meaning and
Definition
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Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) is a highly explosive compound that belongs to the family of Nitrate Esters. It is a white crystalline solid that is created through the reaction of pentaerythritol with nitric acid. This organonitrate compound exhibits high stability and is primarily used as a powerful explosive in various industrial, military, and medical applications.
PETN has a chemical formula of C5H8N4O12 and a molar mass of 316.14 grams per mole. It features a complex structure with four nitrate groups attached to the pentaerythritol molecule. These nitrate groups contribute to its high explosive power due to their ability to release large amounts of oxygen during detonation, enhancing the rapid combustion of PETN.
Due to its explosive potential, PETN is commonly used in the formulation of explosives such as detonating cords, boosters, and plastic explosives. It is also utilized as a component in detonators and as a stabilizer in some solid rocket propellants. Additionally, PETN has certain medical applications, particularly in the treatment of chronic stable angina, where it acts as a vasodilator to increase blood flow to the heart.
As a potent explosive, PETN must be handled with extreme caution and is subject to strict regulatory controls to prevent misuse and ensure safety.
Common Misspellings for PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE
- oentaerythritol tetranitrate
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Etymology of PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE
The word "Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate" is composed of multiple parts:
1. Pentaerythritol: The term "pentaerythritol" comes from combining the Greek word "pente" (meaning "five") and the Latin word "erythritol" (a type of sugar alcohol). Pentaerythritol is a compound with five hydroxyl groups.
2. Tetranitrate: The term "tetranitrate" is derived from the Greek prefix "tetra" (meaning "four") and the word "nitrate". It indicates that there are four nitrate groups (-NO3) attached in the molecule.
Therefore, "Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate" refers to a compound composed of pentaerythritol with four attached nitrate groups.
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