Ascanio Sobrero ( 12 October 1812 - 26 December 1888 ) was an Italian chemist , who discovered nitroglycerin in 1847 . He was born in Casale , Monferrato and worked in Paris . Ascanio Sobrero ( October 12 , 1812 -- May 26 , 1888 ) , was an Italian chemist , born in Casale Monferrato .