Why is medical nitroglycerin not explosive?
Usually, chemical compounds rely on external sources of oxygen in order to combust or cause an explosive reaction. In nitroglycerin’s case, this step is skipped entirely because it has a vast quantity of oxygen molecules in its chemical structure!
Are nitroglycerin tablets flammable?
Highly flammable. Nitroalkanes, such as NITROGLYCERIN, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation.
Is the nitroglycerin in the pill the same as the explosive?
In pharmaceutical form, nitroglycerin (sometimes called glyceryl trinitrate, probably to prevent alarming patients) is used as a heart medication, which is unlike its unstable counterpart, as it cannot be rendered even slightly explosive.
Can you use nitroglycerin tablets to make a bomb?
Because nitroglycerin is so unstable, it’s not actually very useful as an explosive in its pure form. It’s just too hard to control. But in 1864 the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel patented a process for making nitroglycerine more stable, so that it could be set off on demand, with a detonator.
Can you touch nitroglycerin pills?
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it. You should take the extended-release capsule first thing in the morning and follow the same schedule each day. This medicine works best if you have a “drug-free” period of time every day when you do not take it.
Can you touch nitroglycerin?
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving.
Is nitroglycerin easy to explode?
At the SRS, nitroglycerin (C3H5O9N3) is a highly unstable liquid that explodes 25 times faster and with 3 times the energy of gunpowder. In 1867, Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833–1896) found that clay soaked with nitroglycerin was much more stable and less sensitive to shock than pure nitroglycerin.
What concentration of nitroglycerin is explosive?
Slurry (Water Gel)
| Type Of Explosive | Dynamite | Emulsion Explosives |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Straight dynamite is the benchmark for explosive weight/strength comparisons. It is generally available in 15% to 60% concentrations of nitroglycerin (gelatin dynamite contains up to 90% nitroglycerin). | Similar in strength to slurry explosives. |
Can nitroglycerine medicine explode?
Nitroglycerin is extremely sensitive to shock and to rapid heating; it begins to decompose at 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) and explodes at 218 °C (424 °F). The safe use of nitroglycerin as a blasting explosive became possible after the Swedish chemist Alfred B.
What happens if you take a nitro pill and don’t need it?
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: throbbing headache. confusion.
What happens if you chew nitroglycerin?
Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
Why is nitroglycerin so explosive?
Take the quiz. Nitroglycerin, with the molecular formula C3H5(ONO2)3, has a high nitrogen content (18.5 percent) and contains sufficient oxygen atoms to oxidize the carbon and hydrogen atoms while nitrogen is being liberated, so that it is one of the most powerful explosives known.
How many Nitros can you take?
Adults—1 tablet placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gum at the first sign of an angina attack. 1 tablet may be used every 5 minutes as needed, for up to 15 minutes. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 15 minutes. To prevent angina from exercise or stress, use 1 tablet 5 to 10 minutes before the activity.
Why does nitro go under the tongue?
They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes.
How easy is it for nitroglycerin to explode?
Does nitroglycerin explode on its own?
Nitroglycerin is an oily, colourless liquid, but also a high explosive that is so unstable that the slightest jolt, impact or friction can cause it to spontaneously detonate.
What does a nitro pill do?
NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) is a type of vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels, increasing the blood and oxygen supply to your heart. This medicine is used to relieve chest pain caused by angina.
How many people died from nitroglycerin?
Deadly Explosion Fifteen people died, many more were seriously wounded, and strewn among the rubble was the torn evidence of human remains. As San Francisco worked itself into a panic over the unknown, deadly substance, a nitroglycerin sample detonated prematurely on the Central Pacific line, ripping apart six workers.