Chemical Properties
Colorless liquid.Slightly soluble in water; soluble inalcohol and ether.
Uses
Methyl nitrate has been used as rocket propellant.
Hazard
Explodes when heated, severe hazard whenexposed to heat or shock. Narcotic, strong irritantto tissue.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion.
Moderately toxic by inhalation. A dangerous
fire and explosion hazard by spontaneous chemical reaction. A very shockand heat-sensitive
explosive. Explodes when heated
to 65℃. It does not require external O2 for
combustion. A rocket fuel. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.
Purification Methods
Wash MeONO2 once with H2O then again with H2O containing a few drops of concentrated NaOH to keep it slightly alkaline (litmus). Dry the ester over anhydrous CaCl2, decant it and use it directly. It is possible to distil it under a vacuum with slow and gentle heating, as a sudden rise in temperature can cause decomposition with copious release of nitrous fumes (use extreme precautions and protection). The middle fraction can then be subjected to several freeze-pump-thaw cycles. [Black & Bakers Org Synth Col Vol II 412 1943.] [Beilstein 1 H 284, 1 I 141, 1 II 273, 1 III 1201, 1 IV 1254.] The VAPOUR CAN EXPLODE ON HEATING.
