CompoundList
Nitroglycerin chemical structure, C3H5N3O9, CAS 55-63-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Viscous liquid
Melting point
2.8 °C
Boiling point
218 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6
Flash point
Explodes
HS code
292090
Category
Cardiovascular and metabolic drugs
UN number
UN 0143

What is Nitroglycerin?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Nitroglycerin is a nitroglycerol that is glycerol in which the hydrogen atoms of all three hydroxy groups are replaced by nitro groups. It acts as a prodrug, releasing nitric oxide to open blood vessels and so alleviate heart pain. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, a xenobiotic, a prodrug, a nitric oxide donor, a muscle relaxant, an explosive and a tocolytic agent.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1,3-dinitrooxypropan-2-yl nitrate
CAS number
55-63-0 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-240-8
Molecular formula
C3H5N3O9
UNII
G59M7S0WS3
InChIKey
SNIOPGDIGTZGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H5N3O9/c7-4(8)13-1-3(15-6(11)12)2-14-5(9)10/h3H,1-2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(C(CO[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-])O[N+](=O)[O-]

Synonyms

  • Glyceryl trinitrate
  • Trinitroglycerin
  • Nitrostat
  • Nitroglycerine
  • Nitroglycerol
  • Trinitroglycerol
  • Glycerol trinitrate
  • Nitro-dur
  • Minitran
  • Trinitrin
  • Nitronet
  • Tridil
  • Nitroglyn
  • Nitrolingual
  • Nitrong
  • Niong
  • Nitora
  • Transderm-nitro
  • Nitro-Bid
  • Lenitral
  • Natispray
  • Nitrocine
  • Nitrolan
  • NitroMist
  • Glycerin trinitrate
Show all 39 synonyms
  • Nitroglicerina
  • Angiolingual
  • Cardamist
  • Klavikordal
  • Myoglycerin
  • Niglycon
  • Nitrodisc
  • Nitrogard
  • Nitrolowe
  • Nitromel
  • Nitronal
  • Nitrorectal
  • Percutol
  • Perglottal

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Viscous liquidexp.
Taste
Sweet, burning tasteexp.
Melting point
2.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
218 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6exp.
Flash point
Explodesexp.
Autoignition temperature
270 °Cexp.
Solubility
1 g in 800 ml water.exp.
Vapour pressure
2.0 × 10⁻⁴ mm Hg @ 20 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
227.09 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
227.0026 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-1.02calc.
Topological polar surface area
157.1 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
9calc.
Rotatable bonds
8calc.
Heavy atoms
15calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS01: Explosive
Explosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
324NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H200Unstable explosive.
  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (28)
  • P201Obtain special instructions before use.
  • P202Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P281Use personal protective equipment as required.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P372Explosion risk.
  • P373Do not fight fire when fire reaches explosives.
  • P380Evacuate area.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P401Store in accordance with local regulations.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 0143
Transport hazard class
1.1

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Nitroglycerin suppliers

Controlled substance, listings of documented suppliers only, in the documented ranking

Explosive

Nitroglycerin is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: India Explosives Act 1884

Our policy on controlled substances
No documented supplier lists it yet

Licensed buyers can post a request for Nitroglycerin with their licence. Our compliance team reviews it before suppliers see it.

Nitroglycerin price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

Get latest price

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

High explosive, production of dynamite and other explosives.

Combating fires in oil wells.

Rocket propellants.

Veterinary medication:.

Industrial uses: Other, Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant).

Consumer uses: Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant).

Pharmacological actions

  • Explosive Agents
  • Vasodilator Agents

Roles

  • analgesic
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • antihypertensive agent
  • antiinfective agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antirheumatic drug
  • bone density conservation agent
  • cardiovascular drug
  • donor
  • explosive
  • muscle relaxant
  • neuromuscular agent
  • nitric oxide donor
  • pharmaceutical
  • pro-agent
  • prodrug
  • reproductive control drug
  • tocolytic agent
  • vasodilator agent
  • vulnerary
  • xenobiotic

Pharmacology

Nitroglycerin is a Nitrate Vasodilator. The physiologic effect of nitroglycerin is by means of Vasodilation.

How it is made

By dropping glycerol through cooled, mixed acid and stirring, followed by repeated washing with water.

It is prepared by continuous two-phase nitration of glycerol in anhydrous mixed acid. The mass ratio of pure anhydrous glycerol (H2O less than 0.5%) and 50:50 mixed acid is 1:5. The product is washed with aqueous sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Explosive

Nitroglycerin is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: India Explosives Act 1884

Our policy on controlled substances

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 603-034-00-X

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Nitroglycerin, Propane-1,2,3-triyl trinitrate, Ref no: 253, Annex ref: II/253
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

Controls

  • Explosives or explosive precursor control list

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Nitroglycerin is traded under.

HS 2920.90Indicative HS code

Esters, other than thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and phosphite esters and their salts…

World exports in 2024
$1.05B
+8.0% vs 2023, imports $1.23B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China33.4%
  2. Germany18.8%
  3. United States12.4%
Top importers
  1. United States19.2%
  2. Singapore8.9%
  3. South Korea6.9%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Nitroglycerin is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Nitroglycerin, based on the data on this page

What is Nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is a nitroglycerol that is glycerol in which the hydrogen atoms of all three hydroxy groups are replaced by nitro groups. It acts as a prodrug, releasing nitric oxide to open blood vessels and so alleviate heart pain.

What is the CAS number of Nitroglycerin?

The CAS registry number of Nitroglycerin is 55-63-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Nitroglycerin?

The molecular formula of Nitroglycerin is C3H5N3O9 and its molar mass is 227.09 g/mol.

What is Nitroglycerin used for?

High explosive, production of dynamite and other explosives. Combating fires in oil wells. Rocket propellants. Veterinary medication:. Industrial uses: Other, Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant). Consumer uses: Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant).

Is Nitroglycerin hazardous?

Nitroglycerin carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: unstable explosive, fatal if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is usually classified under HS code 292090 (Esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (excluding esters of hydrogen halides) and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Nitroglycerin on CompoundList?

Nitroglycerin is a controlled substance. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed by our compliance team before suppliers see it.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Nitroglycerin

Request as a licensed buyer

Upload your licence with the request. Our compliance team reviews it before the documented suppliers see it.
Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
Embed this structure on your websiteShow code

Paste this code into your page to show the 2D structure of Nitroglycerin with a 3D view, its CAS number and a link back to this page. Free to use with the link kept.

<iframe src="https://www.compoundlist.com/embed/structure/nitroglycerin-55-63-0" title="Nitroglycerin structure on CompoundList" width="360" height="420" style="border:1px solid #E7E2DA;border-radius:12px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
Preview the embed

Explore more in Cardiovascular and metabolic drugs or HS code 292090

Price on request
Free quotes, contact stays private
Licensed request