6101. Methyl Nitrate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 598-58-3
Nitric acid methyl ester.
CH3NO3; mol wt 77.04.
C 15.59%, H 3.93%, N 18.18%, O 62.30%.
CH3ONO2.

Description and references

Prepn from methanol and nitric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid: Black, Babers, Org. Synth. coll. vol. II, 412 (1943).

Properties

Liquid. Solid at 83°. bp760 64.6° (explodes). d420 1.2075. nD20 1.3748. Slightly sol in water. Sol in alcohol, ether.

Use

Has been used as rocket propellant. Does not need external oxygen for combustion.