97. Acetyl Nitrate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 591-09-3
Acetic acid anhydride with nitric acid.
C2H3NO4; mol wt 105.05.
C 22.87%, H 2.88%, N 13.33%, O 60.92%.
CH3COONO2.

Description and references

Prepn from acetic anhydride and N2O5: Boh, Ann. Chim. [11] 20, 437 (1945).

Properties

Fuming, mobile, hygroscopic liquid. Should be colorless. d415 1.24. bp70 22°. Although it may be stored in the dark over P2O5 for the weekend, it should be used in statu nascendi to avoid explosions. Always explodes when heated suddenly over 60° or when in contact with HgO. Explosions have occurred upon contact with ground glass surfaces: Knig, Angew. Chem. 67, 157 (1955).

Caution

Irritant, corrosive.

Use

In nitrations, especially to introduce a single nitro group in an ortho position on an aromatic ring.