Which one of the following is used as an explosive ?

Correct answer: Nitroglycerine (option 4). Nitroglycerine, also called glycerol trinitrate, is a nitrate ester (an ester of nitric acid) and is a classic high explosive due to rapid decomposition releasing large volumes of gas and heat; nitrate esters are discussed in standard organic chemistry texts [1]. Phosphorus trichloride is listed among phosphorus halides and is used as a reagent in p‑block chemistry rather than as an explosive. Graphite is a stable carbon allotrope noted for being smooth, slippery and a good electrical conductor, not an explosive material [2]. Mercuric oxide and the other listed compounds are inorganic or allotropes with uses distinct from high explosives.

Sources

1. [1] https://ia801600.us.archive.org/30/items/textbookoforgani030532mbp/textbookoforgani030532mbp.pdf
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Allotropes of carbon > p. 61