Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Химические свойства

white crystalline powder

Использование

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a high explosive, often used as the booster in artillery ammunition. It is frequently used as a detonation fuse, which is a form of primacord in which PETN powder is wrapped in waterproof fabric.

Определение

ChEBI: A pentaerythritol nitrate in which all four hydroxy groups of pentaerythritol have been converted to the corresponding nitrate ester. It is a vasodilator with properties similar to those of glyceryl trinitrate, but with a more prolonged duration of action, and is used for treatment of angina pectoris. It is also one of the most powerful high explosives known and is a component of the plastic explosive known as Semtex.

Профиль реактивности

Pure PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE is an explosive. Severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. Explodes when heated to 205-215°C. Highly dangerous when mixed with oxidizing agents. On decomposition Pentaerythritol tetranitrate emits highly toxic fumes of NOx (Sax and Lewis, 1987 pp. 699-700).

Угроза здоровью

Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Пожароопасность

PETN is a high explosive, as powerful as cyclonite. It is more sensitive than TNT to shock. It explodes on percussion or heating. The detonating temperature is 210°C (410°F). The detonation velocity is 7.9 km/s.

Профиль безопасности

Human systemic effects by ingestion: dermatitis. Effects are sirmlar to those of nitroglycerin, i.e., headache, weakness, and fall in blood pressure. Very low oral toxicity. Severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. It explodes at 215’C. On decomposition it emits hghly toxic fumes of NO,; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Used in detonators and explosive specialities. See also NITRATES and EXPLOSIVES, HIGH.

Возможный контакт

First introduced following WWII, PETN shares the same chemical family as nitroglycerine. It is 70% more powerful than TNT. Used in the manufacture of fuses for detonation and explosive specialties, including the plastic explosive, Semtex, and in blasting caps. PETN is also used as a medical vasodilator to lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels to improve blood flow. PRTN has been used in terrorism attempts in 2001 by the so-called “shoe bomber,” in 2009 by the “underwear bomber,” and most recently in October 2010, hidden in printer cartridges being shipped internationally by passenger jet.

Перевозки

UN3344 Pentaerythrite tetranitrate mixture, desensitized, solid, n.o.s. with ＞10% but not ＞20% PETN, by mass, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable solid. UN0150 Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted or Pentaerythritol tetranitrate, wetted, or PETN, wetted or Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, or Pentaerythritol tetranitrate or PETN, desensitized, Hazard Class: 1D; Labels:1DExplosive (with a mass explosion hazard); D-Substances or articles which may mass detonate (with blast and/or fragment hazard) when exposed to fire.

Методы очистки

Crystallise pentaerythritol tetranitrate from acetone or acetone/EtOH. When crystallised from H2O at 0o, it may have m 26-28o (hydrate). It detonates more easily than TNT on percussion. The O-acetate, when crystallised from EtOH, has m 87-88o. Although it has been distilled at 60o/2mm, distillation should NOT be attempted as it is VERY EXPLOSIVE. Itis a vasodilator. [Marans et al. J Am Chem Soc 76 1304 1954, Camp et al. J Am Chem Soc 77 751 1955, Beilstein 1 IV 2816, 2 IV 264.]

Несовместимости

Treat PETN as an unstable explosive. Rapid heating can cause detonation when heated to 210C. PETN is a dangerous high explosive and a strong oxidizer. PETN normally requires a blasting cap or other kind of detonator but may decompose explosively from concussion, shock, friction, static charges. Keep away from combustible materials; other oxidizers, for example, nitrates and permanganates. Contact with sulfur trioxide may cause detonation. Contact with reducing agents, e.g., zinc and alkaline metals may cause explosion. May explode in the presence of strong bases (i.e., sodium or potassium hydroxide). May react with heavy metals.

Утилизация отходов

Seek expert help with this explosive material. Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.