Chemical Properties
White to straw-colored liquid; ethereal
odor. Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol
and ether.
Uses
Fuel ignition promoter, in rocket fuel formulations, as organic intermediate.
General Description
A white to straw-colored liquid with an ether-like odor. About the same density as water and insoluble in water. Flash point 70°F. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a fuel. Shock sensitive. The shock sensitivity is removed by addition of 1-2% of propane, butane, chloroform, ethyl ether, or methyl ether.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Organonitrates, such as n-Propyl nitrate, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive. Contact with either strong oxidizers or with combustibles may cause fires and explosions.
Health Hazard
Exposure can cause anoxia and cyanosis. Other effects are weakness, dizziness, and severe headaches.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic gases and vapors, such as oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, may be released in a fire.
Hazard
Flammable, severe fire and explosion risk,
strong oxidizing material, explosive limits in air 2–
100%. Nausea and headache.
Potential Exposure
Propyl nitrate has been used as an
intermediate as a rocket propellant and as an ignition
improver in diesel fuels.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ-
ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR
if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get
medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1865 n-Propyl nitrate, Hazard Class: 3;
Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
Vapor may form explosive mixture with
air. Reacts with reducing agents, combustible materials;
may be violent. A shock-sensitive explosive. The shock
sensitivity is removed by addition of 1%?2% of propane,
butane, chloroform, ethyl ether, or methyl ether . May
explode on heating. Forms explosive mixtures with com-
bustible materials. This material is an organonitrate. They
can range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed
with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides, and
nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates
in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents,
but still react violently with reducing agents at higher tem-
perature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic
bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides
increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes.
Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally
explosive. Contact with either strong oxidizers or with
combustibles may cause fires and explosions .
Waste Disposal
Incineration: large quantities
of material may require nitrogen oxide removal by catalytic
or scrubbing processes . An alternative route suggested
involves pouring over soda ash, neutralizing with HCl and
flushing to the drain with water.
Physical properties
Colorless to light yellow, flammable liquid with an ether-like odor. Odor threshold concentration
is 50 ppm (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983).
