Chemical Properties
Orange-colored powder. Contains
16.5% nitrogen. Soluble in ether-alcohol.
General Description
An orange crystalline slurry or sludge. Easily ignited, burns vigorously, and a high explosive when dry.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Nitroalkanes, such as NITROSTARCH, 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. Nitroalkanes are insoluble in water.
Health Hazard
Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, severe
explosion risk when dry.