Nitroglycerine, also spelled nitroglycerin, is a powerful explosive substance made from glycerol and nitric acid. The spelling of this word may appear confusing due to the presence of two similar-sounding vowels 'I' and 'Y.' In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˌnaɪtrəʊˈɡlɪsəriːn/. The first syllable is emphasized with a long 'i' sound while the second syllable's stress is on 'o.' The 'y' in the spelling represents an 'i' sound, while 'e' at the end of the word is silent.
Nitroglycerine, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, is an explosive and highly volatile liquid compound with the molecular formula C3H5(NO3)3. It belongs to the family of nitrate esters, consisting of three nitric acid groups bonded to a glycerol molecule. Nitroglycerine has a pale yellow color, a slight sweet odor, and is typically synthesized through the nitration of glycerol with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids.
This compound is widely used in various industrial applications, particularly as an explosive or as a component in explosive mixtures. It is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making it extremely hazardous to handle. Nitroglycerine is commonly utilized in mining, construction, and demolition operations due to its ability to amplify explosive power and produce instantaneous and powerful detonations.
Beyond its explosive qualities, nitroglycerine also possesses vasodilatory properties. It has been employed in the medical field, specifically as a treatment for angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. By expanding blood vessels and increasing blood supply to the heart, nitroglycerine can help relieve anginal symptoms.
Due to its instability and volatility, nitroglycerine must be handled with extreme caution and stored under controlled conditions. It is considered a high-risk substance that requires careful management and appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents, explosions, or other unintended hazards.
The word "nitroglycerine" is derived from its chemical composition and origin.
The word "nitro-" comes from the Greek word "nitrion", which means "native soda" or "potash". In ancient times, nitrates were obtained from natural sources such as urine and animal manure. Over time, "nitroglycerine" became the accepted term for a compound that contains nitrate and glycerine.
The term "glycerine" originated from the Greek word "glykeros", meaning "sweet". It was named so because of its sweet taste. Glycerine is a thick and sticky liquid that was first discovered in 1779 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. The name "glycerol" is often used synonymously with glycerine.
Nitroglycerine was first synthesized in 1846 by an Italian chemist, Ascanio Sobrero.