White, crystalline powder.Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol,
acetone, and acetic acid.
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.
Hydrolysis occurs in water.
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.
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
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.
Crystallise it from EtOH/pet ether. Dry it in vacuo ~50o. [Ingersoll & Arenendt Org Synth Coll Vol I 417 1941.]
