Avitable compound 283 was a slow-burning chemical explosive compound. This compound was used for controlled pressure-wave ignition of small-scale fusion devices. It was stored in an inert liquid form until it was exposed to and activated by an energetic gamma pulse generated by a Balter detonator. In 2367, this compound was stored on aboard the Federation starship USS Enterprise-D.
In that year, avitable compound 283 was on a list of explosives that Lieutenant Commander Data and Counselor Deanna Troi searched through in an attempt to find one that could produce enough energy to release the USS Enterprise-D and an alien ship from the Tyken's Rift. (TNG: "Night Terrors")