Substance profile
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate is a tetragonal holohedra from acetone + alcohol with a faint, mild odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate is
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate is a tetragonal holohedra from acetone + alcohol with a faint, mild odor. Its molecular formula is C5H8N4O12 and its molecular weight is 316.14 g/mol. It boils at 210 °C, melts at 141 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
- P.E.T.N.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H200 | Unstable explosives. |
Precautionary statements: P210
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 210 °C (410 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| 180 °C (356 °F) | at 50 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 140.5 °C (284.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 138 °C (280.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 140 °C (284 °F) | DrugBank | ||
| Density | 1.77 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.773 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in acetone. Sparingly soluble in alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in acetone | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in benzene, pyrene | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 1.36e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1.4e-7 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Vapor pressure at 25 °C: negligible | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Autoignition temperature | 160 dec C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | SEVERE EXPLOSION HAZARD. Detonation may occur from heavy impact, static or excessive heating - particularly under confinement. | HSDB | |
| Explodes on percussion; more sensitive to shock than TNT. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Pentaerythritol Tetranitra…
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
The primary hazard is blast where the entire load can explode instaneously and not from flying projectiles and fragments. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat they can explode. /Pentaerythrite tetranitrate; Pentaerythrite tetranitrate, wetted/
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
Storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Avoid all contact with other chemicals. Avoid contact with other explosives, pyrotechnics, solvents, adhesives, paints, cleaners and unauthorized metals, plastics, packing equipment and materials. Avoid contamination with acids, alkalis, amines, phosphorus, and reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PENTAERYTHRITE TETRANITRATE is a high explosive. An oxidizing agent. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides. Emits highly toxic nitrogen oxide fumes on decomposition.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentaerythritol Tetranitr… in the storage compatibility matrix →