Nitroethane
Nitroethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂NO₂, classified as a nitroalkane where a nitro group (-NO₂) is attached to the ethyl chain.[1] It appears as a colorless, oily liquid at standard temperature and pressure, exhibiting a mild, fruity odor, and is characterized by its density of 1.052 g/cm³, boiling point of 114.1 °C, and low solubility in water while being miscible with common organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and diethyl ether.[1] Chemically, it acts as a mild oxidizer and can undergo reactions typical of nitro compounds, including reduction to amines and participation in condensation reactions.[1] In industrial applications, nitroethane functions as a versatile solvent for polymers like polystyrene and for removing cyanoacrylate adhesives, as well as serving as a propellant and fuel additive in specialized formulations. In the United States, nitroethane is classified as a DEA List I chemical, subjecting its handling to regulatory oversight.[1][2] It plays a key role as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly for introducing nitro groups into molecules used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other fine chemicals.[1] Industrially, it is produced by the vapor-phase nitration of propane with nitric acid at high temperatures (350–450 °C), yielding nitroethane alongside other nitroparaffins.[1] Safety considerations are critical due to its flammability (flash point of 28 °C) and potential to form explosive mixtures with air, as well as its ability to produce toxic nitrogen oxides upon decomposition.[1] Exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and inhalation or ingestion may lead to methemoglobinemia, central nervous system effects, and other systemic toxicities, with permissible exposure limits set at 100 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average.[1][3] Proper handling requires ventilation, protective equipment, and avoidance of ignition sources to mitigate these hazards.[1]Properties
Physical properties
Nitroethane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₂H₅NO₂ and a molecular weight of 75.05 g/mol.[1] It appears as a colorless oily liquid at room temperature, exhibiting a mild, fruity odor.[4][1] The compound has a boiling point of 114–116 °C at 760 mmHg and a melting point of −90 °C.[5][1] Its density is 1.052 g/cm³ at 20 °C, and the refractive index is 1.391 at 20 °C.[1][5] Nitroethane is miscible with organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone, but has limited solubility in water at 48 g/L (20 °C).[1] The vapor pressure is approximately 15 mmHg at 20 °C, and the flash point is 28 °C (closed cup).[1] Nitroethane remains stable under normal storage conditions but decomposes at temperatures above 177 °C.[1]| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₂H₅NO₂ | - | PubChem |
| Molecular weight | 75.05 g/mol | - | PubChem |
| Appearance | Colorless oily liquid | Room temperature | PubChem |
| Odor | Mild, fruity | - | CDC NIOSH |
| Boiling point | 114–116 °C | 760 mmHg | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Melting point | −90 °C | - | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Density | 1.052 g/cm³ | 20 °C | PubChem |
| Refractive index | 1.391 | 20 °C (D line) | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Water solubility | 48 g/L | 20 °C | PubChem |
| Vapor pressure | 15 mmHg | 20 °C | PubChem |
| Flash point | 28 °C | Closed cup | PubChem |
| Decomposition temp. | >177 °C | - | PubChem |