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Tetranitromethane chemical structure, CN4O8, CAS 509-14-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless oily fluid
Melting point
13.8 °C
Boiling point
126 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6
Flash point
>112.8
HS code
290420
Category
Oxidizing and reducing agents
UN number
UN 1510
Illustrative photo, 200 litre blue HDPE drums of liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Tetranitromethane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Tetranitromethane is an organonitrogen compound.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
tetranitromethane
CAS number
509-14-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
208-094-7
Molecular formula
CN4O8
UNII
K1G7CKU98F
InChIKey
NYTOUQBROMCLBJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CN4O8/c6-2(7)1(3(8)9,4(10)11)5(12)13
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C([N+](=O)[O-])([N+](=O)[O-])([N+](=O)[O-])[N+](=O)[O-]

Synonyms

  • Methane, tetranitro-
  • Tetan
  • RCRA waste number P112
  • TNM
  • RCRA waste no. P112
  • UN 1510
  • Tetranitromethane [UN1510] [Oxidizer]

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 oily fluidexp.
Odour
Distinct pungent odorexp.
Melting point
13.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
126 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6exp.
Flash point
>112.8exp.
Solubility
In water, 900 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
8.42 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
196.03 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
195.9716 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-1.3calc.
Topological polar surface area
172.6 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
8calc.
Rotatable bonds
4calc.
Heavy atoms
13calc.
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
Danger
GHS03: Oxidiser
Oxidiser
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H271May cause fire or explosion, strong oxidiser.
  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
  • H351Suspected of causing cancer.
Precautionary statements (32)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • 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.
  • P283Wear fire resistant or flame retardant clothing.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P306 + P360If on clothing: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P371 + P380 + P375In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P420Store separately.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1510
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
I

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

Tetranitromethane suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

3 suppliers in 2 countries

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Tetranitromethane 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, as an oxidant or monopropellant, qualitative test for unsaturated compounds, diesel fuel booster, organic reagent.

Tetranitromethane has been used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants. It has also been used as an explosive, as an additive in diesel fuel to increase octane rating, and as a reagent for nitration of tyrosine in proteins and peptides.

TNM is ... of interest for use as a propellant and as a fuel additive ... TNM-hydrocarbon mixtures are more powerful explosives (than TNT) and are very sensitive to shock ... TNM has also been used to kill gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, bacterial endospores, and fungi. This antibacterial activity is attributed to nitrating of critical bacterial membrane proteins by TNM.

Tetranitromethane has been used as ... a reagent for detecting the presence of double bonds in organic compounds ...

Pharmacological actions

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Explosive Agents
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Oxidants

Pharmacology

Tetranitromethane is a synthetic, oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and ether. Tetranitromethane is used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants and explosives as well as an additive to increase the cetane number of diesel fuel. In science, it is used as both an analytical reagent for the detection of double bonds in organic compounds and as a mild nitrating reagent that reacts with tyrosine residues in proteins. The primary route of potential human exposure to tetranitromethane is inhalation.

Read more

Acute inhalation exposure to tetranitromethane can result in irritation of the respiratory tract, buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and interference with the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (methemoglobinemia). Contact with this compound can cause irritation of the eyes and skin. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

How it is made

Tetranitromethane can be prepared by nitration of acetic anhydride with anhydrous nitric acid ... or by reacting fuming nitric acid with benzene or acetylene ... It has also been prepared by nitration of acetylene with excess nitric acid to form a mixture of trinitromethane and nitric acid, which can be converted to tetranitromethane by sulfuric acid at elevated temperatures

Tetranitromethane is formed by the quantitative reaction between potassium nitroform and nitryl chloride in ether.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

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

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Tetranitromethane?

Tetranitromethane is an organonitrogen compound.

What is the CAS number of Tetranitromethane?

The CAS registry number of Tetranitromethane is 509-14-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Tetranitromethane?

The molecular formula of Tetranitromethane is CN4O8 and its molar mass is 196.03 g/mol.

What is Tetranitromethane used for?

Rocket fuel, as an oxidant or monopropellant, qualitative test for unsaturated compounds, diesel fuel booster, organic reagent. Tetranitromethane has been used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants.

Is Tetranitromethane hazardous?

Tetranitromethane carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may cause fire or explosion, strong oxidiser, toxic if swallowed, causes skin irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Tetranitromethane?

Tetranitromethane 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 Tetranitromethane?

CompoundList lists 3 suppliers of Tetranitromethane in Canada and Germany. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Tetranitromethane?

Suppliers quote Tetranitromethane 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 Tetranitromethane

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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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