PETN

C₅H₈N₄O₁₂

IUPAC: Pentaerythritol tetranitrate

CAS: 78-11-5

Overview

PETN is one of the most powerful commonly available explosives and the active component of detonating cord. It is also used medically as a vasodilator.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 8 1.0080
Carbon C 5 12.0110
Nitrogen N 4 14.0070
Oxygen O 12 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×8
2.6%
C
Carbon ×5
19.0%
N
Nitrogen ×4
17.7%
O
Oxygen ×12
60.7%

Uses

  • • Detonating cord
  • • Blasting caps
  • • Vasodilator medication

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Used both as a heart medication and as an explosive, one of the most dual-use compounds

Safety

  • ⚠ Powerful explosive
  • ⚠ Shock sensitive when dry

Structure

SMILES

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

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
316.14 g/mol
Density
1.7700 g/cm³
Melting Point
141.3 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
316.0139
XLogP
1.4
TPSA
220.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
12
Rotatable Bonds
8
Heavy Atoms
21
Complexity
311.0

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 PETN?
PETN (C₅H₈N₄O₁₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Pentaerythritol tetranitrate.
What is the molecular weight of PETN?
PETN has a molar mass of 316.14 g/mol.
What state is PETN at room temperature?
PETN is a solid at room temperature.
Is PETN organic or inorganic?
PETN is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up PETN?
PETN (C₅H₈N₄O₁₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).