Glycerol dinitrate Dinitroglycerine

GLYCEROL DINITRATE ( DINITROGLYCERINE ) Two isomeric glycerol dinitrates (dinitroglycerines) are known..  

The isomers of dinitroglycerine have been separated by Will, Haanen and Stohrer [7], utilizing the capacity of the a-isomer to form a crystalline hydrate. Thus by cooling dinitroglycerine with a 3.2% water content, crystallization of the hydrate occurs, whilst the /3-isomer hydrate remains in solution. The a-isomer hydrate, melting at 26°C, has the formula [CjI OHXONO Jj.I O. It dissolves readily in water and benzene. At a temperature of 40°C both hydrates lose their combined water. 

According to Will et al. the chemical structure of the isomers can be demonstrated as follows. By introducing one more nitro group to the a-mononitrate, two isomeric dinitrates — a symmetric a and an asymmetric /8 — are formed. 

By nitrating the /3-mononitrate, on the other hand, only one product, i.e. the asymmetric dinitrate / , can result. 

As mentioned above, dinitroglycerine is hydrolysed in the cold in the presence of a concentrated potassium hydroxide solution to form nitroglycide. 

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