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Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a powerful secondary high explosive supplied as a white crystalline material. It is known for its high brisance, relatively good chemical stability, and effectiveness as an initiating explosive in both commercial and military applications.
Key Details:
Chemical Formula: C5H8N4O12
Description: A white crystalline powder or solid nitrate ester, chemically similar to nitroglycerin. PETN is among the most powerful commonly used explosive materials.
Primary Uses:
- Commercial Blasting: Widely used in detonating cords and blasting caps for mining, quarrying, and construction operations.
- Military Applications: Utilized as a component in boosters and plastic explosives, including formulations such as Semtex.
- Pharmaceutical Use: Employed in medicine as a vasodilator for the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions.
PETN is frequently selected for its ability to reliably initiate less sensitive secondary explosives in controlled energetic systems.
Safety Note: PETN is sensitive to shock and friction and is commonly handled in a water-wet or desensitized form to reduce risk during processing and transport.
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