Uses
Explosive for mining and fuel industries. Additive to dynamite. Detection of hidden bombs by analysis of ambient air for EGDN.
General Description
Colorless to yellow, oily odorless liquid with a sweetish taste. Mp: -22°C; bp: explodes at 114°C. Density: 1.49 g cm-3. Soluble in water (23.3 g/L H2O) at 25°C). Very soluble in ethanol and in ether. Used as an explosive ingredient in dynamite along with nitroglycerine. Toxic; can penetrate the skin.
Reactivity Profile
EGDN is explosive. Acts as a strong oxidizing agent. Heating to 114°C or above may cause a violent combustion or explosion producing toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides). May also decompose explosively from shock, friction or from a build-up of electrostatic charge that sparks suddenly to ground. Can begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in an explosion if mixed with reducing agents including hydrides, sulfides, and nitrides and numerous ordinary combustible materials. Reacts violently with Al, BP, cyanides, esters, PN2H, P, NaCN, SnCl2, sodium hypophosphite, and thiocyanates. Reacts with acids and with alkalis, including ammonia and amines. Must be stored in a cool, ventilated place, away from acute fire hazards and easily oxidized materials (Sax and Lewis, 1987 p.664).
Hazard
Toxic by skin absorption.
Potential Exposure
An explosive ingredient (60%80%)
in dynamite along with nitroglycerine (40%20%).
Although ethylene glycol dinitrate is an explosive in itself,
it is primarily used to lower the freezing/melting point of
nitroglycerin; together these compounds are the major constituents of commercial dynamite, cordite, and blastine gelatin. Occupational exposure generally involves a mixture of the two compounds. Ethylene glycol dinitrate is 160 times
more volatile than nitroglycerin.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts
the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from
exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has
stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer
promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has
been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
UN0473 Substances, explosive, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 1.1 A; Labels:1.1A-Explosive (with a mass explosion, hazard); A-Substances which are expected to mass
detonate very soon after fire reaches them, Technical Name
Required
Incompatibilities
Unstable; highly explosive. Heating may
cause violent combustion or explosion producing toxic
fumes (nitrogen oxides). May explosively detonate violently from heat above 200℃, mechanical shock, friction,
impact or concussion. Not compatible with strong acids
and alkalies
Description
Ethylene glycol dinitrate is a colorless to yellow, oily, odorless liquid. An explosive ingredient(60- 80%) in dynamite along with nitroglycerine(40- 20%). It may be detonated by mechanical shock, heat,or spontaneous chemical reaction. Molecularweight = 152.08; Specific gravity (H2O:1) = 1.49; Boilingpoint = 114- 116℃ (explodes); Freezing/Meltingpoint = -22.2℃; Vapor pressure = 0.05 mmHg at 20℃;Flash point = 215℃. Very slightly water soluble;solubility = 0.48%
Chemical Properties
Ethylene glycol dinitrate is a colorless to yellow,
oily, odorless liquid. An explosive ingredient (60%80%)
in dynamite along with nitroglycerine (40%20%). It may
be detonated by mechanical shock, heat, or spontaneous
chemical reaction
Health Hazard
EGDN causes vasodilation and
cardiac effects.
storage
Explosive and Strong Oxidizer. Color Code—RedStripe: Flammability Hazard: Store separately from all otherflammable materials. Prior to working with this chemicalyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage.Before entering confined space where EGDN is present,check to make certain that explosive concentrations do notexist. EGDN is highly explosive and can detonate violentlyupon heating or impact. Store in tightly closed containers ina cool, well-ventilated area away from strong acids andalkalies. All sources of ignition are prohibited. Use nonsparking tools and equipment especially when opening orclosing containers. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings in all areas of handling, use, or manufacture. Where possible, automatically pump liquid fromdrums or other storage containers to process containers
