As a chemical expert with a focus on explosive materials, I can provide you with an in-depth understanding of nitroglycerin and its properties. Nitroglycerin, chemically known as glycerol trinitrate, is a highly potent and sensitive explosive substance. It is used in large quantities in the production of explosives and propellants, such as dynamite, due to its high energy content.

Nitroglycerin is an oily, yellow liquid that is extremely sensitive to physical shock and heat. It can decompose rapidly and violently under certain conditions, which is the basis for its use as an explosive. The decomposition of nitroglycerin is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat. If the heat generated by the decomposition is not dissipated quickly enough, it can lead to a chain reaction, causing the entire quantity of nitroglycerin to explode.

The sensitivity of nitroglycerin to heat, shock, or flame is a critical factor in its handling and storage. It must be kept in a cool, stable environment and handled with extreme care to prevent accidental detonation. Even minor impacts or temperature increases can trigger a catastrophic event. For instance, the friction generated by pouring the liquid or the heat from a nearby flame can be enough to cause an explosion.

In the industrial setting, nitroglycerin is often mixed with other substances to form more stable explosives. One common method is to mix it with diatomaceous earth or other absorbent materials to create a more stable, safer-to-handle product. This mixture reduces the sensitivity of nitroglycerin to shock and heat, making it safer for transportation and use in construction and mining applications.

Despite its notorious reputation for instability, nitroglycerin has also found a beneficial use in medicine. It is used in the form of nitroglycerin tablets or patches to treat and prevent chest pain (angina) caused by heart disease. The same properties that make it an effective explosive—namely, its ability to rapidly dilate blood vessels—make it a potent medication for cardiovascular conditions.

In summary, while nitroglycerin is indeed capable of exploding when subjected to heat, shock, or flame, its use in medicine and as a component in various explosives is managed through careful handling and formulation to mitigate these risks.

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The main use of nitroglycerin, by tonnage, is in explosives such as dynamite and in propellants. Nitroglycerin is an oily liquid that may explode when subjected to heat, shock or flame.read more >>