Nitroglycerin

Oily liquid explosive produced by nitrating glycerol.

Nitroglycerin is an oily, colorless liquid explosive produced by nitrating glycerol. It’s highly sensitive to shock, friction, and heat. Historically used as a vasodilator drug to treat angina (chest pain), it’s also a component in dynamite and other explosives.

Etymology

Nitroglycerin is derived from nitro- referring to the nitro group, and glycerin.

Explain Like I’m 5

Nitroglycerin is a strong medicine that helps with chest pain, and it's also an explosive used in construction.

Fun Facts

Alfred Nobel used nitroglycerin to invent dynamite
It was originally a liquid that needed careful handling
It's sensitive to shock and heat

FAQ

What is nitroglycerin? It's a medicine and explosive
How is it made? By nitrating glycerol
What does it treat? Chest pain

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

explosive vasodilator

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

dynamite

Indexes

chemical compound explosive material industrial process

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