9729. Trinitromethane

Nomenclature

CAS number: 517-25-9
Nitroform.
CHN3O6; mol wt 151.04.
C 7.95%, H 0.67%, N 27.82%, O 63.56%.

Description and references

Prepn from tetranitromethane and K4[Fe(CN)6] in aq soln: Chattaway, Harrison, J. Chem. Soc. 109, 171 (1916); by nitration of acetylene with nitric acid: Hager, Ind. Eng. Chem. 41, 2168 (1949).

Chemical structure

Properties

Crystals, mp 15° (the unstable aci-form, mp 50°). d425 (liq) 1.469. Heat of combustion 746 cal/g. Dipole moment 2.61 (benzene). Dec above 25°. Explodes when heated rapidly. Sol in water, giving an intensely yellow soln, although the dry crystals are pure white.

Derivative

Potassium salt.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 14268-23-6
CKN3O6; mol wt 189.13.
C 6.35%, K 20.67%, N 22.22%, O 50.76%.

Properties

Moderately stable crystals. Soly in water at 0°: 16.7 g/100 ml; at 60°: 193.8 g/100 ml. Soly in ethanol: 5.29 g/l.

Caution

Slightly irritating to eyes, mucous membranes.

Use

In the manuf of explosives and propellants.