9753. Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane

Nomenclature

CAS number: 126-11-4
2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol; 2-nitro-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol; trimethylolnitromethane.
C4H9NO5; mol wt 151.12.
C 31.79%, H 6.00%, N 9.27%, O 52.94%.

Description and references

Prepn from trioxymethylene and nitromethane: Boileau, Mem. Poudres 35, Annexe 7-76 (1953).

Chemical structure

Properties

Crystals from ethyl acetate + benzene, mp 214° (pure); mp 180° (usual laboratory product); mp 175-176° (tech). Soly in water at 20°: 220 g/100 ml. Freely sol in alcohols. Sparingly sol in benzene, other hydrocarbons. pH of 0.1M aq soln 4.5.

Caution

Irritating to skin, mucous membranes.

Use

Bactericide for inanimate objects. To inhibit bacterial growth in circulating industrial water systems, cutting oils, nonprotein glues and sizings.