PETN: A Brief Description
The current attack made use of a highly explosive chemical substance called pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). The compound recognized for its explosive qualities is pentaerythritol (PENN), which is its nitrate ester. PETN creates a plastic explosion when mixed with a plasticizer. One of the strongest explosives ever discovered, it is a part of the plastic explosive Semtex.
Chemical and Medical Properties
The FDA has approved PETN for use as a coronary vasodilator in the management of heart diseases including angina. Its effects on vasodilation are comparable to those of glyceryl trinitrate, although its duration of action is longer. But in this case, its main use is not as a medicinal remedy but rather as a powerful explosion.
Execution of the Attack
The Times of Israel and Sky News Arabia have reported that months before the incident, Hezbollah’s consignment of pagers was purportedly intercepted by Mossad agents. These agents allegedly inserted PETN into the pagers’ batteries. Afterwards, an outside signal set off the devices, causing the batteries to overheat and explode. However, there is no official confirmation or declaration by any agencies whatsoever.