Mannitol hexanitrate

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Mannitol hexanitrate
IUPAC name (2R,3R,4R,5R)-Hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanitrate
Other names mannitol hexanitrate, nitromannite, nitromannitol, nitranitol, mannitrin
Identifiers
CAS number [15825-70-4]
PubChem 61818
SMILES C(C(C(C(C(CO[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-]
Properties
Molecular formula C6H8N6O18
Molar mass 452.15712
Density 1.604 g/cc
Melting point

112 °C = 234 °F
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Mannitol hexanitrate is a powerful explosive. Physically, it is a powdery solid at normal temperature ranges, with density 1.6. The chemical name is hexanitromannitol and it is also known by nitromannite, MHN, nitromannitol, nitranitol, or mannitrin. It is less stable than nitroglycerin, and it is used in detonators.

Mannitol hexanitrate is a secondary explosive formed by the nitration of mannitol, a sugar alcohol. The product is used in medicine as a vasodilator and as an explosive in blasting caps. Its sensitivity is considerably high, particularly at high temperatures (>75 °C) where it is more sensitive than nitroglycerine.

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