Nitroglycerin

C₃H₅N₃O₉

IUPAC: Propane-1,2,3-triyl trinitrate

CAS: 55-63-0

Overview

Nitroglycerin is a powerful explosive liquid that is also a vasodilator medication for angina (chest pain). Alfred Nobel made it safer by absorbing it in diatomaceous earth to create dynamite. The Nobel Prizes are funded by profits from Nobel's dynamite fortune.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 5 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Nitrogen N 3 14.0070
Oxygen O 9 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×5
2.2%
C
Carbon ×3
15.9%
N
Nitrogen ×3
18.5%
O
Oxygen ×9
63.4%

Uses

  • • Dynamite ingredient (absorbed in diatomite)
  • • Angina medication (sublingual tablets)
  • • Heart failure treatment
  • • Mining explosive (in dynamite)

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Alfred Nobel was ironically prescribed nitroglycerin for his heart condition
  • ✦ Nobel Prize money comes from dynamite profits

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely sensitive to shock, heat, and friction
  • ⚠ Can explode from minor disturbance
  • ⚠ Causes severe headache from skin absorption

Structure

SMILES

C(C(CO[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-]

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
227.09 g/mol
Density
1.5930 g/cm³
Melting Point
13.0 °C
Boiling Point
50.0 °C
Solubility
1.8 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
227.0026
XLogP
1.6
TPSA
165.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
9
Rotatable Bonds
5
Heavy Atoms
15
Complexity
218.0

Also Known As

Nitroglycerin Glyceryl trinitrate GTN

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin (C₃H₅N₃O₉) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Propane-1,2,3-triyl trinitrate.
What is the molecular weight of Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin has a molar mass of 227.087 g/mol.
What state is Nitroglycerin at room temperature?
Nitroglycerin is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Nitroglycerin organic or inorganic?
Nitroglycerin is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin (C₃H₅N₃O₉) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).