http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol_tetranitrate
ETN has a relatively high velocity of detonation of 8000-8100 m/sec at a density of 1.6 g/cm3. It is white in color and odorless.
ETN is commonly cast into mixtures with other high explosives. It is somewhat sensitive to shock and friction, so care should be taken while handling. ETN dissolves readily in acetone and other ketone solvents though for the purpose of recrystallization, slow cooling of a saturated solution in ethanol from 55 °C gives much better results with purer and better formed crystals.
Much like PETN, ETN is known for having a very long shelf life. Studies that directly observed the crystalline structure saw no signs of decomposition after four years of storage at room temperature.
Like other nitrated polyols, ETN is made by nitrating erythritol through the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid and a nitrate salt.
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used for this type of reaction. The erythritol is added to the mixture to begin its nitration. Much better yields can be obtained by using concentrated nitric acid in place of the nitrate salt, in which case the sulfuric acid is used simply to absorb water from the resulting esterification, driving the reaction.
Interesting...
Only one question tho, i browsed both the FDA and another official website, and i can't seem to find the damn thing, even if erythritol is said to be used EVERYWHERE as fake sugar
2008-07-15, 08:43
PETN ? Nah, ETN !