Chemical Properties
White, crystalline powder.Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol,
acetone, and acetic acid.
General Description
A colorless to white crystalline powder solid. Mildly sensitive to heat and shock. An extremely powerful explosive. Decomposes to emit toxic nitrogen oxide fumes. May explode under exposure to intense heat or fire. Primary hazard is blast of an instantaneous explosion, not flying projectiles or fragments.
Air & Water Reactions
Hydrolysis occurs in water.
Reactivity Profile
Explosive mercury or silver salts are rather sensitive to heat and impact, while the pure material is much more insensitive. Organonitrate compounds, such as N-Nitrocarbamide, 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.
Hazard
Severe explosion risk.
Health Hazard
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Fire Hazard
MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
Safety Profile
A very dangerous fire
hazard when exposed to heat or flame. A
severe explosion hazard when shocked or
exposed to heat. Can react vigorously with
oxidizing materials. It is a lugh explosive.
Incompatible with mercuric and silver salts.
When heated to decomposition it emits
highly toxic fumes of NOx. See also
EXPLOSIVES, HIGH; and NITRATES.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from EtOH/pet ether. Dry it in vacuo ~50o. [Ingersoll & Arenendt Org Synth Coll Vol I 417 1941.]
