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Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a nitrate that is commonly found in the biochemical industry to alleviate chest pain.

Chemical Formula: C₅H₈N₄O₁₂

Layman's explanation: It has become obvious that PETN can exist in many different forms, ranging from the medicinal form to the explosive form. The drug works by dilating blood vessels, thus allowing more oxygen to reach the heart. In doing so, blood pressure will tend to decrease, thus relieving some of the pain in the patient's chest. Usage: The drug is used to alleviate chest pain, as well as to lower blood pressure. Interestingly enough, however, is that this same biochemical can be used in explosives. Furthermore, in some extreme cases where the molecule is not in the presence of lactose, this molecule can become quite carcinogenic.

Keywords: explosives

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