Pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN) is a high-potency, long-acting nitrate. It is currently not recommended for clinical use due to insufficient efficacy data.
PETN, also known as PENT, pentyl, PENTA, TEN, corpent, or penthrite, is an explosive compound. It is a nitrate ester of pentaerythritol, structurally similar to nitroglycerin. The "penta" in its name refers to the five carbon atoms in its neopentane framework.
PETN is a powerful explosive with a relative effectiveness factor of 1.66. When mixed with plasticizers, it forms plastic explosives. It is a primary component in Semtex and C4, alongside RDX. PETN is also used as a base component in various explosive compositions, along with TNT, ammonium picrate, RDX, HMX, and aluminum powder.
Despite its explosive nature, PETN has medical applications. It is used as a vasodilator in the treatment of certain cardiac conditions, particularly in the management of angina.