Does nitroglycerin burn or explode

Answer 1

Glycerol, the base molecule of nitroglycerin, in and of itself is a pretty stable molecule, but when nitrated the stable hydroxyl endings of the glycerol turn into nitroxide endings - which are extremely unstable. These endings are right on the borderline of wanting to stay attached and wanting to split off into nitrogen dioxide. The smallest bit of excess energy triggers them to detach. This starts the rest of the molecule into a self-destruct sequence as, in an attempt to stabilize itself, the remaining oxygen molecules through a bond (safety line) to the carbon atoms. This results in the immediate breakdown of the molecule as the carbon atoms are forced to release their other bonds to hang on to the oxygen. This causes a combustion reaction as the carbon and hydrogen use atmospheric oxygen to stabilize themselves. However, it doesn't come out even, there is always an extraneous hydrogen atom which continues the chain reaction by triggering the remaining nitroglycerin molecules to self-destruct. All of this happens in a fraction of a second, causing an enormous explosive force.

Answer 2

Nitroglycerin can both burn and explode. It is a highly flammable and explosive compound that is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. When ignited, it can either burn rapidly or detonate violently depending on the conditions.

Answer 3

Well- you can explode things with it. Or, you can soak diatomaceous earth with it, wrap it in paper and call it dynamite. Useful particularly in excavation and mining.

Answer 4

It explodes.

It undergoes explosive decomposition.

Answer 5

yes. Nitroglycerin in pure form will explode if subjected to shock. It can also explode if heated to quickly or mixed with other substances.

Answer 6

The chemical formula is modified.