ABSTRACT
Beginning with the formulation of nitroglycerin (dynamite, 1866) and nitrocellulose (Cordite, Ballistite, Poudre B, 1880s) chemical synthesis became a key part of production of explosives and propellants. The new materials provided a major tool for construction and mining into the 20th century. The demands of WWI and WWII led to other explosives such as trinitrotoluene (TNT), the nitramines and various mixed explosives. After WWII both military and space programs required powerful fuels for missiles and rocket engines. These included solid fuels incorporating polymers, aluminum and ammonium perchlorate as well as liquid fuels based on hydrocarbons, hydrazines or liquid hydrogen. By the end of the century, the explosives used by terrorists had become a major focus.
