Synthesis of PETN
by Dr Pyro
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PETN or Pentaerithrytol tetranitrate C5H8N4O12
is the most stable and least reactive of the explosive nitric esters.
HOWEVER, this does not mean you can mistreat it!
Any explosive might bite if you fail to show proper respect.
It is insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, ether and benzene.
It is soluble in acetone (2-propanone) and methyl acetate.
It shows no traces of decomposition even when stored for long periods at 100 degs C.
It is relatively friction insensitive but highly sensitive to initiation by a primary explosive.
PETN is a 2ndary explosive of great power and shattering effect.
It can be mixed with plasticized nitrocellulose or with synthetic rubbers to form polymer based explosives.
It is used to make detonating cord and commonly used in 'Pentolite' , a mixture of PETN and TNT.
PETN is formed by careful nitration of pentaerithrytol where the hydroxyl groups of pentaerithrytol are replaced by nitro groups.
Pentaerithrytol is produced by mixing formaldehyde with calcium hydroxide in an aqueous solution while holding it at 65 degs C.
Prepare a nitrating solution of 2 parts concentrated Nitric Acid with 1 part Sulphuric Acid.
Take care when mixing these two and do not allow the temperature to get too high. Also mix the two acids slowly.
Add the nitrating solution SLOWLY to the pentaerithrytol , keeping an eye on the temperature.
Don't let the temperature climb much above 25 - 30 degs C. If necessary , cool the reaction vessel by immersing/swirling it in an water-ice bath.
The impure PETN can be removed by filtration, washed with water , neutralized with sodium carbonate solution. For a more pure product , recrystallize the PETN from acetone.
WARNING : Chemical synthesis should not attempted by some one without a certain amount of training and experience.
If you mess with explosives then you could lose a finger, hand, arm or worse!
I take no responsibility if you actually follow this synthesis and something goes wrong !
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