G

Glyceryl trinitrate

IUPAC: 1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate

C3H5N3O9 Organic Compounds CAS 55-63-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC3H5N3O9
CAS Number55-63-0
Molecular Weight227.09
Melting Point56 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling PointBegins to decompose at 122-140 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility0.1 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceGlyceryl trinitrate solution appears as a colorless solution of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) in water. If allowed to dry out, the remaining nitroglycerin is explosive.
Also Known As1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate; nitroglycerin; Trinitroglycerin; Nitrostat; Nitroglycerine; Nitroglycerol; 55-63-0; Trinitroglycerol; Glycerol trinitrate; Nitro-dur
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Glyceryl trinitrate?

Nitroglycerin is a nitroglycerol that is glycerol in which the hydrogen atoms of all three hydroxy groups are replaced by nitro groups. It acts as a prodrug, releasing nitric oxide to open blood vessels and so alleviate heart pain. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, a nitric oxide donor, a muscle relaxant, an explosive and a tocolytic agent.

Formula & Notation

C3H5N3O9

IUPAC Name: 1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate

Other Names / Synonyms: 1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate; nitroglycerin; Trinitroglycerin; Nitrostat; Nitroglycerine; Nitroglycerol; 55-63-0; Trinitroglycerol; Glycerol trinitrate; Nitro-dur

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Glyceryl trinitrate solution appears as a colorless solution of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) in water. If allowed to dry out, the remaining nitroglycerin is explosive.. Molecular formula: C3H5N3O9. Molecular weight: 227.09 g/mol. Boiling point: Begins to decompose at 122-140 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: 56 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Density: 1.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 0.1 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 0.0003 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 1.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point56 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling PointBegins to decompose at 122-140 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight227.09
Solubility0.1 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceGlyceryl trinitrate solution appears as a colorless solution of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) in water. If allowed to dry out, the remaining nitroglycerin is explosive.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Glyceryl trinitrate
Formula C3H5N3O9
CAS Number 55-63-0
Molecular Weight 227.09
Synonyms 1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate; nitroglycerin; Trinitroglycerin; Nitrostat; Nitroglycerine; Nitroglycerol; 55-63-0; Trinitroglycerol; Glycerol trinitrate; Nitro-dur

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitroglycerin is a nitroglycerol that is glycerol in which the hydrogen atoms of all three hydroxy groups are replaced by nitro groups. It acts as a prodrug, releasing nitric oxide to open blood vessels and so alleviate heart pain. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, a nitric oxide donor, a muscle relaxant, an explosive and a tocolytic agent.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.