Nitrolite

Nitrolite is a trade name for an explosive material, typically a mixture of ammonium nitrate and nitroglycerin (or another liquid explosive such as dinitroglycol). The term is not a precisely defined chemical term and can refer to slightly different formulations depending on the manufacturer and intended use.

Generally, nitrolites are designed to be safer and more manageable than pure nitroglycerin, as the ammonium nitrate acts as an absorbent and desensitizer. This reduces the risk of accidental detonation from shock or friction. The precise ratio of ammonium nitrate to nitroglycerin will vary, affecting the explosive's brisance (shattering power), velocity of detonation, and overall sensitivity.

Nitrolite-based explosives were commonly used in mining, quarrying, and construction for blasting purposes, particularly where a powerful but relatively safe explosive was required. However, modern explosive formulations such as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) and dynamite with different stabilizers and sensitizers have largely replaced nitrolites in many applications. The exact formulation and properties of a specific nitrolite product would have been determined by the manufacturer and potentially subject to regulatory requirements depending on the jurisdiction.