Property and Preparation 1,2,4-Butanetriol Trinitrate

4-butanetriol trinitrate with code of BTTN, also called butanetriol trinitrate or butanetriol nitrate, is used in double-base propellants. 

Washing solution Temperature (°C) Agitation time (min) Washing times 

Vapor pressure and volatility about 1/2 of nitroglycerine Hygroscopicity 0.04 % in the relative humidity of 65 % 

Solubility 0.08 g/100 g water at 20 °C, 0.15 g/100 g water at 60 °C It is mutually soluble to diethyl ether, alcohols, ketones, and other organic solvents. The plasticizing capacity to cellulose nitrate is similar with nitroglycerine. 

The explosion heat of butanetriol trinitrate is 6,025 J/g (constant volume, vapor water) and 5,941 J/g (constant volume, liquid water). The specific volume is 840 ml/g (liquid water). The detonation point with delay period of 5 s is 230 °C. The characteristic height is 58 cm for 2 kg falling weight. The chemical stability of butanetriol trinitrate is excellent. 

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