6103. N-Methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

Nomenclature

CAS number: 70-25-7
N-Methyl-N-nitroso-N′-nitroguanidine; MNNG.
C2H5N5O3; mol wt 147.09.
C 16.33%, H 3.43%, N 47.61%, O 32.63%.

Description and references

Prepn: A. F. McKay, G. F. Wright, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 69, 3028 (1947). Reviews of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity studies: IARC Monographs 4, 183-195 (1974); U. Sinha, B. B. Chattoo, J. Sci. Ind. Res. 3, 499-505 (1975).

Chemical structure

Properties

Yellow crystals from methanol, mp 118° (dec). Reacts with aq KOH to form diazomethane: A. F. McKay, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 70, 1974 (1948). Reacts at acid pH to give methylnitroguanidine.

Caution

This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-172.

Use

Exptlly as carcinogen and mutagen. Formerly in prepn of diazomethane.