Why is pure nitroglycerin sensitive to shock and rapid heating?

Pure nitroglycerin is an exceptionally powerful explosive due to its high nitrogen content and internal oxygen balance, which allows for rapid, self-sustaining oxidation. Its extreme sensitivity to shock and rapid heating is a consequence of its chemical instability and the nature of the detonation process.1

When subjected to shock, the material experiences a rapid compression that generates a shock wave. This compression causes a localized, intense increase in temperature, which triggers self-ignition and leads to a supersonic detonation wave. Regarding thermal sensitivity, pure nitroglycerin begins to decompose at temperatures as low as 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) and will explode if heated to 218 °C (424 °F). Because the chemical reaction rate is so high, any rapid input of energy—whether mechanical or thermal—can easily overcome the energy loss limits of the reaction zone, resulting in an instantaneous and violent release of gas and heat.21

Due to these inherent dangers, pure nitroglycerin is rarely used in its liquid state; instead, it is stabilized in products like dynamite to ensure safer handling and storage.1