Xylitol pentanitrate
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
1,2,3,4,5-Pentakis-nitrooxy-pentane
| |
| Other names
Penta-O-nitro-xylitol
XPN | |
| Properties | |
| C5H7N5O15 | |
| Molar mass | 377.131 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.852 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 45.5 °C (113.9 °F; 318.6 K) [1] |
| Boiling point | 163–185 °C (325–365 °F; 436–458 K) (decomposes) |
| Almost insoluble | |
| Solubility | Soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol, toluene |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | None |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Erythritol tetranitrate Pentaerythritol tetranitrate |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Xylitol pentanitrate (XPN) is an organic chemical compound, a nitrated ester primary explosive.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Much like ETN, XPN has a positive oxygen balance, which means the carbon and oxygen in the molecule can be fully oxidized without another oxidizing agent being added:
- 4 C5H7N5O15 → 20 CO2 + 14 H2O + 10 N2 + 3 O2
Physical
Xylitol pentanitrate is a white crystalline solid, with a relative low melting point. It is almost insoluble in water, but much more soluble in organic solvents, like alcohol, acetone or chloroform.[2]
Explosive
XPN is a powerful explosive. It has moderate sensitivity to shock and friction. Its detonation velocity has been determined to be 7,100 m/s.
Rotter impact analysis of XPN found a figure of insensitiveness of 25 (RDX = 80). XPN displayed a similar sensitivity to electric static discharge to ETN and PETN.[3]
Availability
Xylitol pentanitrate is not sold by chemical suppliers and has to be made in situ.
Preparation
Xylitol pentanitrate can be obtained from the reaction of xylitol pentaacetate with fuming nitric acid and glacial acetic acid.[4]
Direct nitration of xylitol is an easy route, but further purification is required, as the resulting product tends to come across as a viscous liquid.
It's recommended to obtain the final product as powder rather than large crystals, as it's less sensitive.
Projects
- Make blasting charge
- Make heart medicine
Handling
Safety
Xylitol pentanitrate is sensitive to strong shock and friction, and may explode. If ingested, it results in severe headaches, due to being a strong vasodilator, property seen in other nitrated organic compounds.
Storage
XPN is best be stored in closed non-metal spark free containers, preferably in special cabinets. For safety and legal reasons avoid storing it. Try to use it as soon as you make it.
Disposal
XPN can be neutralized with an excess solution of sodium hydroxide, at low temperatures.
References
- ↑ Wright; Hayward; Canadian Journal of Chemistry; vol. 38; (1960); p. 316
- ↑ Stark, Kelly-Anne S.; Gascooke, Jason R.; Gibson, Christopher T.; Lenehan, Claire E.; Bonnar, Callum; Fitzgerald, Mark; Kirkbride, K. Paul (November 2020). "Xylitol pentanitrate – Its characterization and analysis". Forensic Science International. 316
- ↑ Stark, Kelly‐Anne S.; Alvino, Jason F.; Kirkbride, K. Paul; Sumby, Christopher J.; Metha, Gregory F.; Lenehan, Claire E.; Fitzgerald, Mark; Wall, Craig; Mitchell, Mark; Prior, Chad (2019). "Crystal Structure, Sensitiveness and Theoretical Explosive Performance of Xylitol Pentanitrate (XPN)". Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics. 44 (5): 541–549
- ↑ Wright, I. G.; Hayward, L. D. (1960). "THE PENTITOL PENTANITRATES". Canadian Journal of Chemistry. 38 (2): 316–319
