Not so easy to smell PETN.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/178913.pdf
It has already been pointed out
that RDX and PETN have extremely low vapor pressures, and the vapor pressures of the plastic
explosives containing these compounds are even lower, due to the presence of oils and
plasticizing agents that give the plastic explosive its form and consistency. When these
explosives are manufactured, they are often spiked with a high-vapor-pressure nitro-compound
called a taggant. Common taggants include ortho-mononitrotoluene (o-MNT), paramononitrotoluene
(p-MNT), and dimethyldinitrobutane (DMDNB). These taggants have vapor
pressures similar to NG or EGDN, and their presence makes vapor detection of plastic
explosives possible. However, relying on vapor detection with plastic explosives is still very
risky, because old or homemade samples of plastic explosives will not contain the taggant.
acetaldehyde + formaldehyde --(basic)--> PE
PE + standard chilled nitric & sulphuric --> Pentaerythritol tetranitrate
sulphuric drain cleaner + saltpeter + distillation --> nitric
Rather symmetric little pinwheel, adorned with ONO2 groups.
