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Name: Nitromethane
Chemical Formula: CH3NO2
Common Uses: Racecar fuel, solvent in chemical syntheses, cleaning agent for electronics, explosives industry additive
Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild, sweetish odor
Acute Risks: Strong irritant to skin and eyes, toxicity upon ingestion or inhalation, high flammability makes storage and transport risky
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact can damage liver and kidneys, vapor inhalation in high concentrations affects central nervous system
Environmental Impact: Contamination can harm aquatic life; persistence in water and soil can disrupt ecosystems for extended periods
Explosion Risk: Under certain conditions, shock or heat can trigger powerful explosions
Main Ingredient: Nitromethane
Purity: Industrial grades range from 95%–99% pure
Common Impurities: Trace organic acids, unreacted starting materials
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for several minutes, seek medical attention right away if irritation lingers
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, give oxygen if breathing becomes difficult, watch for symptoms such as dizziness or headaches
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention, and provide information about the substance
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, nitromethane may detonate under high heat or severe confinement
Fire Response: Firefighters should wear protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture
Hazardous Combustion Byproducts: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
Immediate Steps: Evacuate area, ventilate, eliminate ignition sources
Containment: Stop leak if safe, use earth or non-combustible materials to dam up spill
Cleanup: Absorb with inert material like vermiculite or sand, put in chemical waste container
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, splash goggles, gas mask for intense vapors
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers, away from sources of heat and ignition, store in cool, well-ventilated areas
Handling: Ground and bond containers during transfer, use only non-sparking tools, avoid breathing vapors or forming mists
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, amines, oxidizing agents
Ventilation: Use chemical fume hood or local exhaust
Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant safety goggles, flame-retardant clothing, respiratory protection in poorly ventilated spaces
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits set by NIOSH and OSHA put short-term allowable concentrations at low ppm levels
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, shower after handling large quantities
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Boiling Point: About 101–102°C
Melting Point: −29°C
Density: 1.13 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water and common organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: High, leading to rapid vapor accumulation in warm or enclosed spaces
Flashpoint: Approximately 35°C (closed cup)
Chemical Stability: Nitromethane remains stable under normal storage, breaks down quickly when exposed to shock, heat, or incompatible chemicals
Reactive With: Strong bases, acids, amines, certain metals can form unstable or explosive mixtures
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, other toxic gases
Hazardous Reactions: Strong sensitivity to impact or rapid temperature change, risk of detonation
Acute Effects: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact; symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, and loss of coordination
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact links to liver and kidney damage, neurological effects
Potential Carcinogenicity: Studies have not definitively shown human cancer risk, though animal studies point to caution
Target Organs: Central nervous system, liver, kidneys
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, potential to cause long-lasting effects
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable under typical environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low bioaccumulation potential according to environmental monitoring
Soil Mobility: Can migrate through soil and reach groundwater
Preferred Methods: Incineration in a licensed facility equipped to handle volatile organic compounds
Precautions: Never pour into drains, surface waters, or onto the ground
Container Disposal: Rinse and destroy empty containers to prevent reuse
UN Number: Identified as hazardous under international transport rules
Packing Group: Classified for high danger in road, rail, air, and sea transport
Transport Hazards: Risk of explosion under impact, heat, or friction during transit
Precautions: Emergency response plans essential for vehicles carrying this chemical
Regulations: Listed as a hazardous substance under most national chemical safety standards, subject to reporting in quantities above minimal thresholds
Workplace Rules: Employers must provide training, safety data sheets, and personal protective gear for those exposed
Restrictions: Sale, use, and disposal regulated in many regions, often limited to licensed professionals
