C(CH2OH)4 + 4 HNO3 → C(CH2ONO2)4 + 4H2O is called the ICI formula to get Pentaerythrito Tetranitrate (PETN). The PETN explosive was tried by Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab to explode flight 253.
PETN Explosive that is also said Corpent Pentrite and in German Language it is called Nitropents or only Pentrit is one of the highly explosives with Relative Effectiveness Factor 1.66. PETN Explosive is regarded more sensitive to any kind of shock or rubs than famous TNT. PETN is not used singly and a booster is required to detonate the explosive. PETN Explosive is used for land mines and also an essential ingredient of some shells. Its non explosive uses are similar to that of nitroglycerin. The heart medicine Lentonitrat could be said the pure form of PETN.
PETN Explosive was surfaced in news when Richard Reid tried to blow up flight 63 in 2001. Reid managed to take PETN concealed in his shoes on the flight and his attempt was thwarted by the passengers. It would have created a huge havoc mid air if Reid would have succeeded in detonating PETN Explosive.
The PETN Explosive made the headlines recently when Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab tried to blow flight 253 on Christmas Day.
The reports has emerged that Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab’s father conveyed his concerns to American Embassy at Abuja Nigeria that his son is involved in terrorist activities. Officials however did not show much concern about the information and Umar was not placed on no-fly list of suspects.
Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab is charged with efforts of blowing up a plane and taking destructive material aboard for terrorist purposes. Interestingly in a try to avoid such efforts in future the PETN Explosive was not detected by magnetometers.
Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab
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