Nitroglycerin is an explosive compound used in medicine for treating angina. It relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing chest pain. Handle with extreme caution due to its volatility.
| IUPAC Name | 1,2,3-trinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate |
| Molecular Formula | C3H5N3O9 |
| CAS Number | 55-63-0 |
| Synonyms | Glyceryl trinitrate, Trinitroglycerin, NG, Nitrospan, Nitrostat |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C3H5N3O9/c7-4(8)13-1-3(15-6(11)12)2-14-5(9)10/h3H,1-2H2 |
Nitroglycerin Properties
Nitroglycerin Formula
The formula of trinitroglycerin is C3H5N3O9. It consists of three carbon atoms (C), five hydrogen atoms (H), three nitrogen atoms (N), and nine oxygen atoms (O). The molecular structure of trinitroglycerin is characterized by the presence of multiple nitrate groups bonded to a glycerol molecule.
Nitroglycerin Molar Mass
The molar mass of trinitroglycerin is approximately 227.09 grams per mole. It is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of each element in the chemical formula (C3H5N3O9). The molar mass plays a crucial role in determining the quantity of trinitroglycerin required for various applications.
Nitroglycerin Boiling Point
Trinitroglycerin is a highly volatile compound with a low boiling point. It boils at approximately 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit). The low boiling point allows trinitroglycerin to easily transition from a liquid to a gas state, which contributes to its explosive properties.
Nitroglycerin Melting Point
The melting point of trinitroglycerin is around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). This relatively low melting point enables trinitroglycerin to exist as a liquid at room temperature. However, due to its sensitivity to heat and shock, it requires careful handling to prevent accidental detonation.
Nitroglycerin Density g/mL
The density of trinitroglycerin is approximately 1.6 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This means that one milliliter of trinitroglycerin weighs 1.6 grams. The relatively high density of trinitroglycerin contributes to its stability and allows for easy storage and transportation.
Nitroglycerin Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of trinitroglycerin is approximately 227.09 grams per mole. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a trinitroglycerin molecule. The molecular weight provides important information for chemical calculations and determining the amount of trinitroglycerin needed in various applications.
Nitroglycerin Structure
The structure of trinitroglycerin consists of a glycerol molecule (propane-1,2,3-triol) bonded to three nitrate groups (-NO3). The nitrate groups are attached to different carbon atoms in the glycerol backbone. This unique molecular arrangement contributes to the explosive nature of trinitroglycerin.
Nitroglycerin Solubility
Trinitroglycerin is soluble in certain organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and ether. However, it is only slightly soluble in water. This limited solubility in water makes it challenging to administer trinitroglycerin orally, and it is often delivered through other routes such as sublingual tablets or transdermal patches for medical purposes.
| Appearance | Yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.6 g/mL |
| Color | Pale yellow |
| Odor | Slight odor |
| Molar Mass | 227.09 g/mol |
| Density | 1.6 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 13 °C (55 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 55 °C (131 °F) |
| Flash Point | 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, ether |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.1 mmHg |
| Vapor Density | 8.2 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 7.7 (pKa1), 8.8 (pKa2), 9.3 (pKa3) |
| pH | Neutral |
Nitroglycerin Safety and Hazards
Trinitroglycerin poses significant safety hazards due to its explosive nature. It is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making it extremely dangerous if mishandled. It can detonate with great force, causing severe injury or even death. Strict safety protocols should be followed when handling nitroglycerin, including wearing appropriate protective gear and storing it in a secure, cool, and dry location. It is crucial to avoid any sparks, open flames, or sources of ignition in the vicinity. Careful attention must be paid to transportation and storage to prevent accidents and minimize the risk of explosions.
| Hazard Symbols | Explosive, Acute Toxic |
| Safety Description | Highly explosive. Handle with extreme caution. Avoid heat, sparks, and open flames. |
| UN IDs | UN 0143 (Liquid) |
| HS Code | 2909.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | 1.1D (Explosives) |
| Packing Group | PG II (Medium danger) |
| Toxicity | Toxic when ingested or inhaled. |
Nitroglycerin Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize nitroglycerin.
One common approach involves the reaction between concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and glycerol (C3H8O3). The reaction takes place under carefully controlled conditions, typically with the addition of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as a catalyst. Maintain a low temperature and slowly add glycerol to a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid to synthesize nitroglycerin.
Another method involves the use of mixed acid, which is a combination of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Add glycerol to the mixed acid while controlling the temperature during the synthesis of nitroglycerin.
In both methods, the nitric acid acts as an oxidizing agent, reacting with the glycerol to form nitroglycerin. The sulfuric acid aids in the reaction by providing a suitable environment and acting as a catalyst.
It is important to note that the synthesis of nitroglycerin requires great care and expertise due to its highly explosive nature. Follow strict safety measures at all times to minimize the risk of accidents throughout the process.
After the synthesis, the resulting nitroglycerin solution is often purified through washing and filtration to remove impurities.
Overall, the synthesis of nitroglycerin involves a series of chemical reactions that require precise control and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a successful and safe process.
Nitroglycerin Uses
Trinitroglycerin has several important uses across various fields due to its unique properties. Here are some key applications of nitroglycerin:
- Angina Treatment: Doctors commonly use nitroglycerin in medicine to alleviate and prevent angina, a condition that causes chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It relaxes blood vessels, improving blood circulation and reducing chest pain.
- Explosives: Trinitroglycerin is a primary ingredient in many explosives. Its high explosive power and sensitivity make it suitable for applications such as mining, construction, and military operations.
- Industrial manufacturing: Trinitroglycerin serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other explosive compounds, such as dynamite and TNT (trinitrotoluene). These substances find extensive use in the construction, quarrying, and demolition industries.
- Pyrotechnics: Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays employ nitroglycerin to create vibrant and dazzling visual effects.
- Analytical Chemistry: Analytical chemists utilize nitroglycerin as a standard compound to determine the performance and efficiency of various instruments and analytical methods.
- Stabilizers and propellants: It finds application in propellants for rockets and missiles, providing the necessary thrust for space exploration and defense systems.
- Artillery Shells: Manufacturers incorporate nitroglycerin into artillery shells to enhance their explosive power and effectiveness on the battlefield.
- Scientific Research: Laboratories use nitroglycerin for research purposes, including studies on explosive behavior, shockwave physics, and chemical reactions.
The diverse uses of nitroglycerin highlight its significance in medicine, industry, and scientific fields, albeit with the utmost caution due to its explosive nature.
Questions:
Q: What does nitroglycerin do?
A: Trinitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and helps reduce chest pain (angina).
Q: What is nitroglycerin?
A: Trinitroglycerin is an explosive compound used in medicine to treat angina and in explosives for various industrial and military applications.
Q: What is nitroglycerin used for?
A: Trinitroglycerin is used to treat angina, as an explosive component, and in industries such as mining, construction, and pyrotechnics.
Q: How does nitroglycerin work?
A: Trinitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscles, including those in blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow.
Q: How nitroglycerin works in the body?
A: In the body, trinitroglycerin is converted into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and reduces the workload on the heart.
Q: Which single bond present in nitroglycerin is most likely the shortest?
A: The single bond between carbon and nitrogen (C-N) in trinitroglycerin is most likely the shortest.
Q: Is nitroglycerin a beta blocker?
A: No, trinitroglycerin is not a beta blocker. It belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates.
Q: Which single bond present in nitroglycerin is the least polar?
A: The single bond between carbon and carbon (C-C) in trinitroglycerin is the least polar.
Q: How did they make nitroglycerin in the old west?
A: In the Old West, trinitroglycerin was typically made by mixing glycerol with concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids under controlled conditions.
Q: How does nitroglycerin explode?
A: Trinitroglycerin explodes when subjected to heat, shock, or friction, leading to a rapid release of gases and a tremendous increase in volume and pressure.
Q: What does nitroglycerin smell like?
A: Trinitroglycerin has a slight odor, often described as faintly sweet or ether-like.