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Nitroethane chemical structure, C2H5NO2, CAS 79-24-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-89.4 °C
Boiling point
114.1 °C
Density
1.0448 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Flash point
28 °C
HS code
290420
Category
Cosmetic ingredients
UN number
UN 2842
Illustrative photo, clear colourless liquid in a glass reagent bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Nitroethane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Nitroethane is a nitroalkane that is ethane substituted by a nitro group. It is a tautomer of an aci-nitroethane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1-nitroethane
CAS number
79-24-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
201-188-9
Molecular formula
C2H5NO2
UNII
6KEL3ZAU0V
INCI name
NITROETHANE
InChIKey
MCSAJNNLRCFZED-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H5NO2/c1-2-3(4)5/h2H2,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC[N+](=O)[O-]

Synonyms

  • Ethane, nitro-
  • Nitroetan
  • Nitroethan
  • 1-Nitroethane
  • Nitroparaffin
  • nitro ethane
  • Nitro-Ethane
  • 1-Nitroethane #
  • NIE
  • Nitroethane, 97%
  • Nitroethane [UN2842] [Flammable liquid]
  • Nitroethane, ReagentPlus(R), 99.5%
  • UN 2842
  • Nitroethane, reagent grade, >=98.0%

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
Moderate to strong disagreeable odorexp.
Melting point
-89.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
114.1 °Cexp.
Density
1.0448 g/cm³ at 25 °Cexp.
Flash point
28 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
414 °Cexp.
Solubility
Solubility of water in nitroethane 0.9% (by wt), specific heat: 138.5 J/(mol-C) at 25 °C, heat of formation: -141.8 kJ/mol at 25 °C, dielectric constant 28.06 at 30 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
20.8 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
75.07 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
75.032 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.28calc.
Topological polar surface area
43.14 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
323NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (19)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2842
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Nitroethane suppliers

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Nitroethane price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Solvent for cellulose esters, vinyl, alkyd & other resins & waxes.

Solvent, artificial fingernail glue remover, in organic syntheses. Experimentally as liquid propellant.

Principally a propellant for military use, chemical intermediate for a nitroplasticizer for solid propellants, for nitro alcohols.

Solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetopropionate, cellulose acetobutyrate, vinyl, alkyd, and many other resins, waxes, fats and dyestuffs, Friedel-Crafts synthesis, propellant research, fuel additive.

Industrial uses: Wetting agent (non-aqueous), Solvent.

Consumer uses: Solvent, Wetting agent (non-aqueous).

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name NITROETHANE(solvent)

Functional uses

  • Solvent

Cosmetic functions

  • Solvent

How it is made

Obtained by vapor phase nitration of ethane with nitric acid.

By reaction of propane with nitric acid under pressure.

Industrial production of nitroethane is by vapor-phase nitration of propane with nitric acid, followed by fractional distillation.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 609-035-00-1

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

Controls

  • US DEA controlled substance or listed chemical

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Nitroethane is traded under.

HS 2904.20Indicative HS code

Derivatives containing only nitro or only nitroso groups

World exports in 2024
$440M
+46.4% vs 2023, imports $463M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany27.6%
  2. Poland17.1%
  3. Portugal16.0%
Top importers
  1. Belgium34.0%
  2. United States11.0%
  3. Germany9.1%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Nitroethane is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Nitroethane, based on the data on this page

What is Nitroethane?

Nitroethane is a nitroalkane that is ethane substituted by a nitro group. It is a tautomer of an aci-nitroethane.

What is the CAS number of Nitroethane?

The CAS registry number of Nitroethane is 79-24-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Nitroethane?

The molecular formula of Nitroethane is C2H5NO2 and its molar mass is 75.07 g/mol.

What is Nitroethane used for?

Solvent for cellulose esters, vinyl, alkyd & other resins & waxes. Solvent, artificial fingernail glue remover, in organic syntheses. Experimentally as liquid propellant. Principally a propellant for military use, chemical intermediate for a nitroplasticizer for solid propellants, for nitro alcohols.

Is Nitroethane hazardous?

Nitroethane carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, harmful if inhaled. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Nitroethane?

Nitroethane is usually classified under HS code 290420 (Derivatives containing only nitro or only nitroso groups). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Nitroethane?

CompoundList lists 9 suppliers of Nitroethane in China, Germany, United States, Italy and 1 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Nitroethane?

Suppliers quote Nitroethane on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Nitroethane

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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