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Nitroethane

 
Wikipedia: Nitroethane
Nitroethane
Nitroethane-2D-skeletal.png
Nitroethane-2D-flat.png
Nitroethane-3D-balls.png
IUPAC name
Identifiers
CAS number 79-24-3 Yes check.svgY
UN number UN 2842
RTECS number KI5600000
SMILES
Properties
Molecular formula C2H5NO2
Molar mass 75.07 g/mol
Density 1.054 g/cm3, liquid
Melting point

-90 °C, 183 K, -130 °F

Boiling point

112.0–116.0 °C (385.2–389.2 K)

Solubility in water slightly soluble (4.6 g/100 ml at 20°C)
Viscosity 0.677 Pa·s at 20 °C
Hazards
MSDS MSDS at fishersci.com
R-phrases R5 R10 R22
S-phrases S41
Flash point 28 °C
Related compounds
Related nitro compounds nitromethane
1,1-dichloro-1-nitroethane
Related compounds ethyl nitrite
ethyl nitrate
 Yes check.svgY (what is this?)  (verify)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox 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.[citation needed]

Contents

Preparation

Nitroethane is produced industrially by treating propane with nitric acid at 350–450 °C. This exothermic reaction produces four industrially significant nitroalkanes: nitromethane, nitroethane, 1-nitropropane, and 2-nitropropane. The reaction involves free radicals, such as CH3CH2CH2O., which arise via homolysis of the corresponding nitrite ester. These alkoxy radicals are susceptible to C-C fragmentation reactions, which explains the formation of a mixture of products.[1]

Uses

Via condensations like the Henry reaction, nitroethane converts to several compounds of commercial interest. Condensation with 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde affords the precursor to the antihypertensive drug methyldopa. Nitroethane condenses with two equivalents of formaldehyde to give, after hydrogenation, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, which in turn condenses with oleic acid to give an oxazoline, which protonates to give a cationic surfactant.[1]

Like some other nitrated organic compounds, nitroethane is also used as a fuel additive and a precursor to explosives.

Nitroethane is a useful solvent for polymers such as polystyrene and is particularly useful for dissolving cyanoacrylate adhesives.[citation needed] In niche applications, it has been used as a component in artificial nail remover and in overhead ceiling sealant sprays.

Toxicity

Nitroethane is suspected to cause genetic damage and be harmful to the nervous system. Typical TLV/TWA is 100 ppm. Typical STEL is 150 ppm. Skin contact causes dermatitis in humans. In animal studies, nitroethane exposure was observed to cause lacrimation; dyspnea, pulmonary rales, edema; liver, kidney injury; and narcosis.[2] Children have been poisoned by accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover.[3]

The LD50 for rats is reported as 1100 mg/kg.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Sheldon B. Markofsky “Nitro Compounds, Aliphatic” Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002. doi:10.1002/14356007.a17_401.
  2. ^ [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.]
  3. ^ Hornfeldt CS, Rabe WH (1994). "Nitroethane poisoning from an artificial fingernail remover". J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 32 (3): 321–4. PMID 8007041. 
  4. ^ MSDS for nitroethane (revised October 3, 2005), as reported by Fisher Scientific.

External links


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