| Formula / Notation | CH3NO2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 75-52-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 61.040 |
| Melting Point | -20 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 214.2 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.139 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Nitromethane appears as a colorless oily liquid. Flash point 95 °F. May violently decompose if intensely heated when contaminated. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence sinks in w... |
| Also Known As | 75-52-5; Nitrocarbol; Methane, nitro-; Nitrometan; DTXSID2020977; RU5WG8C3F4; NSC-428; DTXCID40977; NSC428; CHEBI:77701 |
| Category | Solvents |
What is Nitromethane?
Nitromethane is a primary nitroalkane that is methane in which one of the hydrogens is replace by a nitro group. A polar solvent (b.p. 101 C), it is an important starting material in organic synthesis. It is also used as a fuel for rockets and radio-controlled models. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a polar aprotic solvent, an explosive and an EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor. It is a primary nitroalkane and a volatile organic compound.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: nitromethane
Other Names / Synonyms: 75-52-5; Nitrocarbol; Methane, nitro-; Nitrometan; DTXSID2020977; RU5WG8C3F4; NSC-428; DTXCID40977; NSC428; CHEBI:77701
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -20 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 214.2 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.139 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 61.040 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Nitromethane appears as a colorless oily liquid. Flash point 95 °F. May violently decompose if intensely heated when contaminated. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence sinks in w... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitromethane is a primary nitroalkane that is methane in which one of the hydrogens is replace by a nitro group. A polar solvent (b.p. 101 C), it is an important starting material in organic synthesis. It is also used as a fuel for rockets and radio-controlled models. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a polar aprotic solvent, an explosive and an EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor. It is a primary nitroalkane and a volatile organic compound.
Used as a reaction solvent in organic synthesis, extraction solvent, cleaning agent, or in pharmaceutical manufacture.
Flammable solvent. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Use in well-ventilated area or fume hood. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Nitromethane is: CH3NO2