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Analytical reagents

Nitromethane

Also known as Nitrocarbol, Methane, nitro-, Nitrometan

CAS 75-52-5Formula CH3NO2Molar mass 61.04 g/molEC 200-876-6
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant Monitored substance 49 suppliers listed
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Nitromethane chemical structure, CH3NO2, CAS 75-52-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-28.7 °C
Boiling point
101.1 °C
Density
1.1371 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
35 °C
HS code
290420
Category
Analytical reagents
UN number
UN 1261
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Nitromethane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Nitromethane is a primary nitroalkane that is methane in which one of the hydrogens is replace by a nitro group. A polar solvent (b.p. 101 C), it is an important starting material in organic synthesis. It is also used as a fuel for rockets and radio-controlled models. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a polar aprotic solvent, an explosive and an EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor. It is a primary nitroalkane and a volatile organic compound.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
nitromethane
CAS number
75-52-5 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 23717-53-5
EC numbers
200-876-6, 684-185-9
Molecular formula
CH3NO2
UNII
RU5WG8C3F4
MDL number
MFCD00007400
INCI name
NITROMETHANE
InChIKey
LYGJENNIWJXYER-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CH3NO2/c1-2(3)4/h1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C[N+](=O)[O-]

Synonyms

  • Nitrocarbol
  • Methane, nitro-
  • Nitrometan
  • Nitromethane (15n)
  • nitro methane
  • nitro-methane
  • MeNO2
  • nitrometane
  • nitro- methane
  • Nitromethane, ACS
  • Nitro fuel (Salt/Mix)
  • Nitromethane, 99.0%
  • Nitromethane, HPLC grade
  • Nitromethane [UN1261] [Flammable liquid]
  • Nitromethane, analytical standard
  • Nitromethane, reagent grade, 96%
  • Nitromethane, for HPLC, >=96%
  • Nitromethane, ACS reagent, >=95%
  • UN 1261
  • Nitromethane, ReagentPlus(R), >=99.0%
  • Nitromethane, SAJ first grade, >=90.0%
  • Nitromethane, puriss., absolute, over molecular sieve (H2O <=0.01%), >=98.5% (GC)

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
Moderately strong, somewhat disagreeable odorexp.
Melting point
-28.7 °Cexp.
Boiling point
101.1 °Cexp.
Density
1.1371 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
35 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
418 °Cexp.
Solubility
Solubility of water in nitromethane: 2.1% at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
3.58 × 10⁺¹ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

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
61.04 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
61.0164 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.11calc.
Topological polar surface area
43.14 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
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
324NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary statements (15)
  • 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.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • 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.
  • 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 1261
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
II

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

Nitromethane suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 49 suppliers
Explosive

Nitromethane is on a monitored list. Requests are reviewed by our compliance team.

Allowed to trade, enquiries are logged for compliance.

Reference: Explosives precursor watch lists

Our policy on controlled substances
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

49 suppliers in 12 countries

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Nitromethane 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

Rocket fuel, solvent for zein. Used in the coating industry.

Racing fuel additive, military propellant, solvent for cellulosic cmpd, polymers & waxes, intermediate for nitro & amino alcohols.

It and other nitroparaffins are excellent solvents for vinyls, epoxies, polyamides and acrylic polymers. ... Mixed with methanol and castor oil it is employed as a model airplane fuel.

Solvent for cellulosic compounds, polymers, waxes, fats, etc., chemical synthesis, rocket fuel, gasoline additive.

Industrial uses: Intermediate, Corrosion inhibitor.

Consumer uses: Solvent, Intermediate.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name NITROMETHANE(anticorrosive)

Roles

  • NMR chemical shift reference compound
  • aprotic solvent
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • explosive
  • polar aprotic solvent
  • polar solvent
  • reference compound
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Corrosion inhibitor

Cosmetic functions

  • Anticorrosive

Pharmacology

Nitromethane is a colorless, oily, highly flammable liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides upon decomposition. Nitromethane is used to make industrial antimicrobials and pharmaceuticals, and is also used as a soil fumigant and as a fuel in race car engines. Exposure to nitromethane irritates the skin and affects the central nervous system causing nausea, dizziness and narcosis. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

How it is made

Produced by high-temperature vapor-phase nitration of propane. This process, which employs nitric acid as the nitrating agent, is based on a free radical reaction, in which the active species is the NO2 radical. ... Individual nitroalkanes are then obtained as pure products by fractional column distillation.

Vapor-phase nitration of methane with nitric acid

By the interaction of sodium nitrite and sodium chloroacetate.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Explosive

Nitromethane is on a monitored list. Requests are reviewed by our compliance team.

Allowed to trade, enquiries are logged for compliance.

Reference: Explosives precursor watch lists

Our policy on controlled substances

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 609-036-00-7

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: NITROMETHANE, Ref no: 18, Annex ref: III/18

Controls

  • Explosives or explosive precursor control list

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 Nitromethane 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 Nitromethane is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Nitromethane?

Nitromethane is a primary nitroalkane that is methane in which one of the hydrogens is replace by a nitro group. A polar solvent (b.p. 101 C), it is an important starting material in organic synthesis. It is also used as a fuel for rockets and radio-controlled models.

What is the CAS number of Nitromethane?

The CAS registry number of Nitromethane is 75-52-5. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 23717-53-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Nitromethane?

The molecular formula of Nitromethane is CH3NO2 and its molar mass is 61.04 g/mol.

What is Nitromethane used for?

Rocket fuel, solvent for zein. Used in the coating industry. Racing fuel additive, military propellant, solvent for cellulosic cmpd, polymers & waxes, intermediate for nitro & amino alcohols. It and other nitroparaffins are excellent solvents for vinyls, epoxies, polyamides and acrylic polymers. ...

Is Nitromethane hazardous?

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

What is the HS code of Nitromethane?

Nitromethane 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 Nitromethane?

CompoundList lists 49 suppliers of Nitromethane in United States, China, India, Germany and 8 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Nitromethane in India?

8 suppliers in India list Nitromethane on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Nitromethane?

Suppliers quote Nitromethane 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 Nitromethane

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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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