C-4 (explosive)
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![A detonation within a blast resistant trash receptacle using a large C-4 explosive charge.](/Images/godic/202501/05/C4_explosion1845.jpg")
![C-4 packaged as standard size M112 demolition charges. Sometimes 16 blocks of M112 are used to create a M183 demolition charge assembly.](/Images/godic/202501/05/US_Navy_111213-N-BA263-596_Composition_C-4_demolition_charges_await_use_as_explosive_ordnance_disposal_technicians_assigned_to_Commander,_Task_Grou1845.jpg")
![Wrapping on packaged C-4 indicate that it has been tagged for easier detection. Even if no taggant is used, sophisticated forensic means can still be employed to identify the presence of C-4.](/Images/godic/202501/05/Defense.gov_photo_essay_070901-F-3050V-5031845.jpg")
C-4 or Composition C-4 is a common variety of the plastic explosive family known as Composition C. The British version of the explosive is known as PE-4 (Plastic Explosive). C-4 is composed of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer to make it malleable, and usually a marker or odorizing taggant chemical.