Nitrogliserini

Nitrogliserini, also known as nitroglycerin, is a chemical compound with the formula C3H5(NO3)3. It is a dense, colorless, oily liquid that is highly explosive. Despite its instability, nitrogliserini has found important applications in medicine, primarily as a vasodilator.

In medicine, nitrogliserini is used to treat angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This can relieve chest pain and prevent heart attacks. It is typically administered sublingually, meaning it is placed under the tongue to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It can also be taken orally or applied as a transdermal patch.

The explosive properties of nitrogliserini were discovered by Ascanio Sobrero in 1847. Its instability made it difficult and dangerous to handle and transport. Alfred Nobel, who later invented dynamite, developed a way to stabilize nitrogliserini by mixing it with an inert absorbent material like diatomaceous earth. This stabilized form, dynamite, was much safer to handle and became widely used in construction and demolition.

Due to its explosive nature, nitrogliserini is subject to strict regulations regarding its manufacture, storage, and transportation. Its use requires specialized knowledge and safety precautions.