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Nitroethane

Nitroethane

General
Systematic name	nitroethane
Other names
Molecular formula	C₂H₅NO₂
SMILES
Molar mass	75.08 g/mol
Appearance/attributes	colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet odor
CAS number	[79-24-3]
Properties
Density and phase	1.054 g/cm³, liquid
Solubility in water	slightly soluble (4.6 g/100 ml at 20°C)
Melting point	-90 °C (183 K)
Boiling point	112.0–116.0 °C (385.2–389.2 K)
Acidity (pK_a)
Viscosity	0.677 Pa·s at 20 °C
Hazards
MSDS	MSDS at fishersci.com
Main hazards	Flammable, harmful
NFPA 704	3 1 3
Flash point	28 °C
R/S statement
RTECS number	KI5600000
UN number	UN 2842
Related compounds
Related nitro compounds	nitromethane 1,1-dichloro-1-nitroethane
Related compounds	ethyl nitrite ethyl nitrate
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Nitroethane is an organic compound having the chemical formula C₂H₅NO₂. Similar in many regards to nitromethane, nitroethane is an oily liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Pure nitroethane is colourless, and has a fruity odor. It is a high volume chemical, with over 1 million pounds of nitroethane being produced or imported into the United States of America per year.^[1]

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

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Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

Uses

Nitroethane is most commonly used as a solvent for artificial polymers such as styrene, and particularly for dissolving cyanoacrylate adhesives.^[2] It has been used as a component in artificial nail remover and in overhead ceiling sealant sprays, although it is not common in such applications. Nitroethane is also used as a fuel additive for increasing the octane rating of gasoline, as a pure fuel in certain drag racing vehicles, and as a propellant.

In addition, nitroethane finds use as a reagent in various chemical syntheses, primarily in the production of pharmaceutical compounds.

Toxicity

Nitroethane is suspected for damage to the genes and nervous system. Typical TLV/TWA 100 ppm. Typical STEL 150 ppm. Skin contact with nitroethane is known to cause dermatitis in human beings; and in animal studies, the effects of nitroethane exposure were observed to include lacrimation; dyspnea, pulmonary rales, edema; liver, kidney injury; and narcosis.^[3]

Also, there have been instances of nitroethane poisoning in children due to accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover.^[4]

The LD₅₀ for rats is reported as 1100 mg/kg.^[5]

References

^ SCORECARD chemical profile.
^ de Souza et al., "(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of (polystyrene + nitroethane). Molecular weight, pressure, and isotope effects." The Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics, Volume 32, Number 3, March 2000, pp. 355-387(33).
^ [http://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_257200.html "Chemical Sampling Information Nitroethane." Retrieved February 9, 2007, from the website of the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration.]
^ C.S. Hornfeldt et al. "Nitroethane poisoning from an artificial fingernail remover." J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994;32(3):321-4. (from PubMed)
^ MSDS for nitroethane (revised October 3, 2005), as reported by Fisher Scientific.

Categories: Nitro compounds | Nitro solvents | Fuels | Rocket fuels | Liquid explosives

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Nitroethane". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.