Propylene glycol dinitrate
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Propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN, 1,2-propylene glycol dinitrate, or 1,2-propanediol dinitrate) is an organic chemical, an ester of nitric acid and propylene glycol. Its chemical formula is C3H6N2O6, or O2N-O-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-O-NO2. Its CAS number is [6423-43-4] [1]. It is structurally similar to nitroglycerin, to which it lacks one -O-NO2 group. It is a characteristically and unpleasantly smelling colorless liquid, which decomposes at 121 °C, below its boiling point. Its freezing point is -8 °C. It is flammable and explosive. It is shock-sensitive.
The principal current use of propylene glycol dinitrate is as a propellant in Otto Fuel II, together with 2-nitrodiphenylamine and dibutyl sebacate. Otto Fuel II is used in some torpedoes as a propellant.
Nitrates of polyhydric alcohols, of which propylene glycol dinitrate is an example, have been used in medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris, and as explosives since the mid-nineteenth century.
PGDN affects blood pressure, causes respiratory toxicity, damages liver and kidneys, distorts vision, causes methoglobinuria, and can cause headache and lack of coordination. It may be absorbed through skin. Its primary toxicity mechanism is methemoglobinemia. It may cause permanent nerve damage. One of the byproducts of its burning is a highly toxic cyanide gas.
