dinitroglycerine

Dinitroglycerine, also known as nitroglycerin dinitrate or glyceryl dinitrate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H5(NO3)2OH. It is a viscous, colorless, oily liquid that is highly explosive. Dinitroglycerine is an ester of glycerol and nitric acid. It is less nitrated than nitroglycerin, which contains three nitrate groups.

The synthesis of dinitroglycerine typically involves the controlled reaction of glycerol with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. Careful control of temperature and reactant concentrations is crucial to prevent the formation of the more highly nitrated and dangerously unstable nitroglycerin. It is often produced as an intermediate or a byproduct in the manufacture of nitroglycerin.

Due to its explosive nature, dinitroglycerine requires extremely careful handling and storage. It is sensitive to shock, friction, and heat. Its primary applications are related to its explosive properties, though it is less commonly used directly than nitroglycerin. Historically, it has been considered for use in explosives, but its relative instability and the availability of more stable alternatives have limited its widespread adoption. In some contexts, it might be found as a component in certain pyrotechnic formulations or research chemical compounds. Medical uses are generally associated with nitroglycerin for its vasodilatory effects, not dinitroglycerine.