PETN is a white powder and is one of the most powerful high explosives known, with a relative effectiveness factor of 1.66. In commercial explosives PETN is used as the base charge of detonators, the explosives core of most detonating cords and in cast Pentolite boosters.

PETN is impact sensitive.

 PETN mixed with a plasticizer forms a plastic explosive.

•  Pentaerithritrol a high explosive. Commonly used in detonating cord.
• Tetranitrate as the base charge in detonators.