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Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is used in the manufacture of explosives but also in medicine.

Chemical Formula: C₃H₅N₃O₉

Other names: glyceryl trinitrate, trinitroglycerin, 1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate

Layman's explanation: Nitroglycerine is a colorless, odorless oil produced by nitrating glycerin. It is used to make explosives such as dynamite. The compound and its degradation products are very instable and react (explode) upon shock, which makes it a very difficult substance to handle and transport. Alfred Nobel developed a save and profitable process to produce this compound. Besides the detonation industry, nitroglycerine is also used in medicine. For example, small doses of nitroglycerin are administered to treat heart conditions. Patches with nitroglycerin are also applied onto the bites of the brown recluse spider. In both applications its property to dilate blood vessels is exploited.

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