glyceryltrinitrat

Glyceryltrinitrat, also known as nitroglycerin, is an organic nitrate ester derived from glycerol and nitric acid. Its chemical name is 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane trinitrate, and its molecular formula is C3H5N3O9. It typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid that is highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and can detonate under adverse conditions.

Historically, glyceryltrinitrat was first prepared in the 1840s by Ascanio Sobrero as an explosive. Its extreme instability led to safety concerns and the development of safer formulations. Alfred Nobel improved its handling by absorbing nitroglycerin into an inert porous medium, giving rise to dynamite.

In addition to its explosive use, glyceryltrinitrat has important pharmaceutical applications as a vasodilator. It releases nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels. Medical preparations include sublingual tablets and sprays for acute angina relief, as well as transdermal patches and intravenous forms for longer-term treatment of angina and heart failure. Common effects include headache and hypotension; these agents require medical supervision and careful dosing, and use may be limited by interactions with other drugs.

Safety and handling are critical due to its explosive potential. Commercial and military uses involve strict storage conditions, stabilizers, and controlled packaging to minimize the risk of accidental detonation. Environmental and occupational safety guidelines govern its production, transport, and disposal. Glyceryltrinitrat remains a notable example of a compound with dual roles as both a high-energy explosive and a medically important drug.