https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/12/26/white-powder/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 06:02:14 -0400<![CDATA[CBS News quotes officials who say the Nigerian attempted to blow up a Northwest Airlines plane over Detroit using PETN, whose method of &#8220;preparation involves the nitration of pentaerythritol with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid. The preferred method of nitration is the ICI method, which utilizes concentrated nitric acid (98%+) alone, as mixed acid can create unstable sulfonated by-products.&#8221;  Pentaerythritol is a crystalline organic compound that can be described as &#8220;white powder&#8221;, seen in this advertisement. CBS says:]]>Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:41:56 -0500<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2009/12/26/white-powder-n189496