Question

Which of the following is a precursor of nitroglycerin synthesis?

• A. Glycerol
• B. Glycol
• C. Glucose
• D. Glucitol

Hint:

Nitroglycerin is highly explosive in its pure form, but in medical use, it is diluted to ensure safety while treating heart conditions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Nitroglycerin, a vasodilator used to treat angina, is synthesized through the nitration of glycerol. Glycerol, a triol, reacts with nitric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid to form glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin). Glycol, glucose, and glucitol are not suitable precursors for this reaction due to their different chemical structures and functional groups.
Thus, the correct answer is Glycerol.