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Nitromethane is a polar organic solvent and nitroalkane used in chemical synthesis, specialty coatings, extraction, and as a fuel component in certain high-performance engine applications.
Nitromethane is valued for strong solvency, relatively high polarity, and ability to dissolve a wide range of resins and organic compounds, and Nitromethane also serves as a useful C1 building block in organic synthesis.
Nitromethane is a flammable liquid that can form hazardous mixtures under certain conditions and can be shock-sensitive in the presence of contaminants, so Nitromethane must be handled with strict safety controls, good ventilation, and segregation from incompatible materials.
CAS Number: 75-52-5
EC Number: 200-876-6
Molecular Formula: CH3NO2
Molecular Weight: 61.04 g/mol
Synonyms: Nitromethane, NitroMethane (variant capitalization), Nitrocarbol (common naming), Nitrocarbure (common naming), Methylnitrite oxide (nonstandard naming), Nitromethane Solvent, Nitromethane Fuel Component, CH3NO2, Nitromethane Technical Grade, Nitromethane Reagent Grade, Nitromethane Mononitroalkane, Nitroalkane C1, Nitromethane, NITROMETHANE, Nitro-methane, Nitromethane (NM), NM (Nitromethane), Nitroalkane (Nitromethane), Nitro methane (spacing variant), Methane, nitro- (registry-style), Nitrocarbure (rare/archaic), Nitromethane Solvent, Nitromethane Fuel (use context), Nitromethane Racing Fuel (use context), Nitromethane Model Engine Fuel (use context), Nitromethane Propellant (use context), Nitromethane Reagent, Nitromethane Analytical Grade, Nitromethane Laboratory Grade, Nitromethane Technical Grade, Nitromethane Industrial Grade, Nitromethane High Purity, Nitromethane 98%, Nitromethane 99%, Nitromethane Anhydrous, Anhydrous Nitromethane, Nitromethane Stabilized (common wording), Stabilized Nitromethane (common wording), Nitromethane (CAS 75-52-5), CAS 75-52-5, Nitromethane (CH3NO2), CH3NO2, CH₃NO₂ (format variant), Nitromethane (EC 200-876-6) (common listing), EC 200-876-6, Nitromethane (EINECS 200-876-6), Nitromethane (nitroalkane solvent), Nitromethane (polar solvent), Nitromethane (organic intermediate)
APPLICATIONS
Nitromethane is used as a polar aprotic-like solvent in organic synthesis to dissolve reagents and support reaction kinetics in compatible systems.
Nitromethane is incorporated into laboratory and fine-chemical processes where high polarity and good solvency are required.
Nitromethane is used in reaction media for carbon–carbon bond-forming chemistry where nitroalkane behavior supports specific transformations.
Nitromethane is used as a chemical intermediate in manufacturing of specialty chemicals where the nitro group is carried through to downstream products.
Nitromethane is incorporated into synthesis routes that require a C1 nitroalkane feedstock for building more complex molecules.
Nitromethane is used in the preparation of certain pharmaceuticals and agrochemical intermediates in controlled industrial processes.
Nitromethane is used in coatings and inks as a solvent in selected formulations where strong solvency and controlled evaporation improve film formation.
Nitromethane is incorporated into resin solutions to adjust viscosity and improve wetting of pigments and substrates in compatible systems.
Nitromethane is used in specialty printing inks where fast wetting and solvency are important for performance.
Nitromethane is used in adhesives and sealants as a solvent in certain niche systems where strong solvency is needed for polymer dissolution.
Nitromethane is incorporated into solvent blends to improve compatibility with polar resins and to tune drying behavior.
Nitromethane is used in bonding and repair products when substrate wetting and controlled evaporation are required.
Nitromethane is used in chemical extraction and purification as a solvent for selective dissolution and partitioning in compatible processes.
Nitromethane is incorporated into analytical and preparative workflows where polarity helps separate impurities from desired compounds.
Nitromethane is used in chromatography-related applications as a solvent component in specialized methods.
Nitromethane is used in racing and high-performance engine fuels as a high-energy fuel component in specialized, regulated applications.
Nitromethane is incorporated into model engine fuels and competition fuel blends where oxygen content and combustion properties are targeted.
Nitromethane is used in motorsports contexts where handling, storage, and transport rules are strictly controlled.
Nitromethane is used as a solvent and process aid in electronics and precision cleaning in limited, controlled applications where compatibility is verified.
Nitromethane is incorporated into specialty cleaning blends to remove polar organic residues in compatible equipment.
Nitromethane is used in laboratory cleaning and degreasing tasks only where safer alternatives are not suitable and controls are in place.
Nitromethane is used in R&D as a reference solvent and reagent for studying nitroalkane reactivity and solvent effects.
Nitromethane is incorporated into method development where its polarity and low basicity support consistent experimental behavior.
Nitromethane is valued because Nitromethane provides strong solvency and useful chemical reactivity for synthesis and specialty formulations when handled safely.
Nitromethane is used as a specialty solvent in organic synthesis.
Nitromethane is used to dissolve polar organic compounds that are poorly soluble in hydrocarbons.
Nitromethane is used as a reaction medium where a moderately polar, aprotic solvent is preferred.
Nitromethane is used in chemical manufacturing as a process solvent for selected reactions.
Nitromethane is used to improve mixing and mass transfer in some liquid-phase processes.
Nitromethane is used to help control reaction temperature because of its physical properties.
Nitromethane is used in chromatography as a component of specialized mobile phases in certain methods.
Nitromethane is used in analytical laboratories as a solvent for sample preparation in selected protocols.
Nitromethane is used as a reference solvent in method development for polar analytes.
Nitromethane is used as a reagent in Henry reactions (nitroaldol reactions) to form nitroalcohol intermediates.
Nitromethane is used in laboratory synthesis to introduce a nitro group into carbon frameworks in controlled chemistry.
Nitromethane is used to create building blocks that can be transformed into amines, carbonyls, or other functionalities.
Nitromethane is used in pharmaceutical and fine chemical R&D as a building block for heterocycles and intermediates.
Nitromethane is used in medicinal chemistry to access nitro-containing screening intermediates in controlled workflows.
Nitromethane is used to support rapid synthesis of substituted carbon chains via carbon–carbon bond formation routes.
Nitromethane is used as a starting material in the manufacture of specialty nitro compounds.
Nitromethane is used to prepare nitroalkane derivatives through functionalization steps in organic synthesis.
Nitromethane is used to support production of intermediate chemicals for dyes and additives in some routes.
Nitromethane is used in polymer chemistry research to prepare functional monomers and crosslinkable intermediates.
Nitromethane is used in resin R&D as a solvent for evaluating polymer compatibility and swelling behavior.
Nitromethane is used to study solvent effects on polymerization kinetics in controlled experiments.
Nitromethane is used in coatings and ink laboratories as a test solvent for solvency screening.
Nitromethane is used to evaluate resin dissolution and drying behavior in specialty formulations.
Nitromethane is used to help troubleshoot unusual solubility issues in development labs.
Nitromethane is used in electronics and precision cleaning research as a solvent candidate for specific residues.
Nitromethane is used in controlled cleaning evaluations for removing certain polar contaminants.
Nitromethane is used to benchmark solvent strength versus other polar aprotic solvents in cleaning studies.
Nitromethane is used in fuel research as an oxygenated fuel component in specialized engine applications.
Nitromethane is used in drag racing and model engine fuels in regulated, purpose-designed formulations.
Nitromethane is used to study combustion behavior and knock characteristics in high-performance engine research.
Nitromethane is used in motorsports supply chains as a dedicated racing fuel component for approved uses.
Nitromethane is used in performance testing to compare power output under standardized racing conditions.
Nitromethane is used in quality control of racing fuel blends to verify composition and consistency.
Nitromethane is used in academic research on combustion chemistry and flame kinetics.
Nitromethane is used to generate experimental data for modeling nitrogen-containing fuel oxidation pathways.
Nitromethane is used in shock-tube and engine-simulator studies under strict safety controls.
Nitromethane is used in chemical education to demonstrate nitroalkane reactivity in carbon–carbon bond formation.
Nitromethane is used in teaching labs to illustrate polarity, boiling point, and solvent selection concepts.
Nitromethane is used in spectroscopy labs as a sample solvent in selected demonstrations.
Nitromethane is used in NMR and IR spectroscopy work as a solvent or co-solvent for certain samples.
Nitromethane is used to help dissolve polar compounds for spectral characterization.
Nitromethane is used to support reproducible analytical measurements when compatible with instruments and safety rules.
Nitromethane is used in industrial solvent selection studies for extraction of specific polar organics.
Nitromethane is used in liquid–liquid extraction research to explore partitioning behavior.
Nitromethane is used to evaluate selectivity versus alcohols, ketones, and nitriles in separation work.
Nitromethane is used in process development to design crystallization and precipitation steps for some intermediates.
Nitromethane is used to tune solvent polarity to control solubility and crystal habit in lab trials.
Nitromethane is used to improve isolation yield when a suitable solvent pair is identified.
Nitromethane is used in catalysis research as a solvent for certain Lewis acid and base catalyzed reactions.
Nitromethane is used to support reproducible catalyst screening by providing consistent solvent environment.
Nitromethane is used to reduce competing hydrogen-bonding effects compared with protic solvents in some studies.
Nitromethane is used in production and testing of specialty adhesives in lab-scale solvency evaluations.
Nitromethane is used to study dissolution and viscosity behavior of certain adhesive resins.
Nitromethane is used to help identify solvent-sensitive failure modes in bonded assemblies.
Nitromethane is used in forensic and environmental laboratories as an analyte standard for method validation.
Nitromethane is used to prepare calibration solutions for monitoring in air or industrial hygiene contexts.
Nitromethane is used in proficiency testing materials for volatile organic compound analysis.
Nitromethane is used in occupational exposure monitoring programs as a target compound in VOC surveys.
Nitromethane is used to validate sampling media and desorption methods in industrial hygiene labs.
Nitromethane is used in risk management programs to confirm control measures are effective.
Nitromethane is used in controlled research on energetic materials chemistry at a high level of hazard management.
Nitromethane is used in safety studies to understand handling risks of nitroalkanes.
DESCRIPTION
Nitromethane is the simplest nitroalkane with the formula CH3NO2.
Nitromethane is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild characteristic odor.
Nitromethane is a polar organic liquid that is only moderately miscible with water.
Nitromethane has a relatively high boiling point compared with many small organic solvents.
Nitromethane can dissolve a range of polar organics and can act as an aprotic reaction medium.
Nitromethane is valued in synthesis because it can participate as a carbon nucleophile in nitroaldol chemistry.
Nitromethane contains a nitro functional group that strongly influences polarity and reactivity.
Nitromethane can form nitronate species under basic conditions, enabling carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions.
Nitromethane is often used as a building block to access intermediates that can be further transformed into other functional groups.
Nitromethane is combustible and can burn vigorously under certain conditions.
Nitromethane can present significant hazards if mishandled, especially around heat, sparks, or incompatible chemicals.
Nitromethane should be handled with good ventilation and appropriate protective equipment to reduce exposure.
Nitromethane can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract with improper exposure.
Nitromethane vapors can contribute to discomfort or adverse effects at elevated concentrations.
Nitromethane exposure control typically relies on closed handling, local exhaust ventilation, and careful storage.
Nitromethane should be stored in tightly closed containers away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers.
Nitromethane compatibility with materials and chemicals should be verified before use in a process.
Nitromethane is typically handled under strict site safety rules because it is both flammable and reactive.
Nitromethane is used in specialized fuels and also in chemical synthesis, so grades may differ by specification.
Nitromethane quality control commonly includes assay, water content, acidity, and impurity profiling.
Nitromethane is valued for consistent solvency and predictable chemical behavior in controlled industrial and laboratory applications.
Nitromethane transportation and use may be regulated depending on region and intended use.
Nitromethane waste disposal must follow local regulations for hazardous organic solvents.
Nitromethane is best managed with conservative hazard controls, clean handling, and validated procedures.
Nitromethane is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild characteristic odor, and Nitromethane is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents.
Nitromethane has a nitro functional group that gives Nitromethane relatively high polarity, and this supports Nitromethane’s ability to dissolve polar resins and participate in certain organic reactions.
Nitromethane is flammable, and Nitromethane vapors can form ignitable mixtures with air, so ignition sources must be strictly controlled during handling and storage.
Nitromethane can react dangerously under certain conditions, and Nitromethane should be kept away from strong bases, strong reducing agents, and reactive metals and amines unless a controlled process is specifically designed for such contact.
Nitromethane may become more hazardous if contaminated, so Nitromethane should be handled with clean, dedicated equipment and protected from incompatible residues.
Nitromethane should be stored in tightly closed containers and kept cool to reduce vapor generation and to maintain consistent quality.
Nitromethane should be used only by trained personnel in industrial or laboratory environments with appropriate risk assessment and emergency planning.
Nitromethane spills can create both flammability and toxic exposure hazards, so spill response should focus on ignition control, ventilation, and compatible absorbents.
Nitromethane waste should be treated as hazardous solvent waste and disposed of according to local regulations and facility procedures.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: CH3NO2
Molecular Weight: 61.04 g/mol
Common Name: Nitromethane
Chemical Type: Nitroalkane; polar organic solvent; reactive intermediate
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid (may be pale yellow in some grades)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water; miscible with many organic solvents
Boiling Point: ~101°C (typical)
Melting Point: ~-29°C (typical)
Flash Point: ~35°C (typical; flammable)
Density: ~1.13 g/cm³ (typical)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature (typical)
Reactivity: Avoid strong bases, strong reducing agents, and incompatible contaminants; hazardous reactions possible under certain conditions
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; hazard increases with heat, contamination, and incompatible contact
Storage Temperature: 5–25°C, tightly closed, well ventilated, away from ignition sources
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if headache, dizziness, nausea, or respiratory irritation persists.
Keep the exposed person warm and at rest.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops or if significant exposure occurred.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention promptly.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Monitor for central nervous system effects after significant exposure.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses or goggles.
Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin contact, and use closed transfer where practical.
Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces, and use grounded equipment during transfer.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control vapor levels.
Avoid aerosol formation and manage vapor exposure during mixing and dispensing.
Do not use in confined spaces without adequate airflow and monitoring where required.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Segregate from strong bases, strong reducing agents, amines, reactive metals, and oxidizers, and keep away from contamination sources.
Protect from direct sunlight and keep containers properly labeled with flammability and hazard markings.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Eliminate ignition sources immediately and ventilate the area.
Contain the spill and absorb with compatible inert material and collect into suitable containers for disposal.
Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove residues and reduce slip and vapor hazards.
Handling Precautions:
Use clean, dedicated equipment and avoid contamination with incompatible chemicals to reduce risk of hazardous reactions.
Apply strict controls for any fuel-related handling, including compliance with transport and storage rules for flammable liquids.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and keep containers sealed to maintain consistent purity and predictable performance.
