Chemical Properties
Crystals. Soluble in alcohol, ether, and glycerol; insoluble in water.
Uses
Vasodilator
(coronary). Cardilate (Glaxo Wellcome{) [Name previously
used: Erythrol Tetranitrate.].
Definition
ChEBI: Erythritol in which each of the hydroxy groups has been converted to the corresponding nitrate ester. It is a vasodilator with properties similar to nitroglycerin. It is usually used diluted with lactose or other suitable inert excipients, in order to mini
ise the risk of explosion; undiluted erythrityl tetranitrate can be exploded by percussion or excessive heat.
Hazard
Severe explosion risk when shocked or heated.
Purification Methods
Crystallise cordite from EtOH. It explodes on percussion at ~220-460o and is a vasodilator. [Beilstein 1 III 2358, 1 IV 2809.]
