Ethyl nitrate
C2H5NO3
ethyl nitrate
Consulting for Ethyl nitrate
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Identification
- CAS Number
- 625-58-1
- EC Number
- 210-903-3
- UN Number
- Index Number
- 007-007-00-8
- PubChem CID
- 12259
Physical-chemical properties
- Molecular Formula
- C2H5NO3
- Molar Mass
- 91.07 g/mol
- IUPAC Name
- ethyl nitrate
Chemical Identifiers
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C2H5NO3/c1-2-6-3(4)5/h2H2,1H3
- InChI Key
- IDNUEBSJWINEMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Overview
Ethyl nitrate (CAS 625-58-1) is an organic nitrate ester with explosive properties and high reactivity under specific conditions. This colorless liquid compound represents a significant chemical intermediate in various industrial processes, characterized by its molecular formula C2H5NO3 and molecular weight of 91.07 g/mol. As an ethyl ester of nitric acid, ethyl nitrate exhibits notable instability and explosive characteristics, requiring specialized handling protocols and storage conditions to ensure operational safety. The compound's classification as an unstable explosive (Unst. Expl.) with GHS01 pictogram and "Danger" signal word underscores the critical importance of proper safety measures during transportation, storage, and processing. Unlike more stable nitro compounds such as 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, ethyl nitrate's ester structure contributes to its enhanced reactivity profile, making it particularly sensitive to heat, friction, and impact. Industrial applications of ethyl nitrate primarily include its use as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, where its nitrating properties prove valuable for specific molecular transformations. The compound also finds application in specialized organic synthesis processes and as a reagent in analytical chemistry procedures. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the manufacture of certain energetic materials, though this application requires stringent regulatory compliance and specialized facilities. The handling and processing of ethyl nitrate demand comprehensive safety protocols, including appropriate personal protective equipment, explosion-proof facilities, and trained personnel familiar with energetic material management. Storage requirements typically involve temperature-controlled environments and segregation from incompatible materials to prevent accidental initiation. OYSI maintains availability of ethyl nitrate for qualified industrial customers, ensuring compliance with European chemical regulations and providing technical support for safe handling procedures.
Safety & Classification
Unst. Expl.
HHazard Statements (H-Statements)
Describe the nature and severity of the hazard
Unstable explosive.
Classification according to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The complete list of hazard and precautionary statements can be found in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
First Aid Measures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ethyl nitrate?
Ethyl nitrate is an organic explosive compound with the molecular formula C2H5NO3 and CAS number 625-58-1. This chemical substance has a molecular weight of 91.07 g/mol and belongs to the class of unstable explosives. It is classified as a dangerous substance under GHS regulations, displaying the explosive pictogram (GHS01) and carrying the signal word 'Danger'. Due to its explosive nature, ethyl nitrate requires specialized handling and safety measures in industrial applications.
What are the physicochemical properties of ethyl nitrate?
Ethyl nitrate is a colorless liquid with characteristic properties typical of nitrate esters. It exhibits explosive instability, making it highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. Its molecular structure consists of an ethyl group bonded to a nitrate group, giving it both organic and inorganic characteristics. These properties make it suitable for specific industrial applications while requiring careful handling protocols.
What is ethyl nitrate used for?
Ethyl nitrate is primarily used in specialized industrial applications where its explosive properties are required in controlled environments. It serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis and can be utilized in the production of other chemical compounds. Due to its classification as an unstable explosive, its applications are limited to professional and industrial settings where proper safety measures and expertise are available. All uses must comply with strict regulatory requirements and safety protocols.
How to handle ethyl nitrate safely?
Ethyl nitrate requires extreme caution during handling due to its unstable explosive classification. Personal protective equipment must include explosion-proof clothing, safety goggles, and appropriate gloves. Work areas should be explosion-proof with proper ventilation and grounding equipment. Avoid any sources of ignition, heat, shock, or friction. Only trained personnel should handle this substance, following established safety protocols. Emergency procedures and first aid measures should be readily available, and handling should occur in designated safe areas away from populated zones.
How to store ethyl nitrate correctly?
Ethyl nitrate must be stored in specialized explosion-proof facilities designed for unstable explosives. Storage areas should be temperature-controlled, well-ventilated, and protected from heat sources, direct sunlight, and mechanical shock. The substance should be kept in appropriate containers away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Storage facilities must comply with explosive storage regulations and be equipped with appropriate safety systems. Regular monitoring and inspection of storage conditions are essential for maintaining safety.
What to do in case of contact with ethyl nitrate?
Ethyl nitrate exposure requires immediate emergency response due to its explosive nature. In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing immediately and flush the affected area with large amounts of water. For eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. If inhaled, move the person to fresh air immediately. For ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek emergency medical care. Always contact emergency services and inform them of the explosive nature of the substance involved.
How to dispose of ethyl nitrate appropriately?
Ethyl nitrate disposal requires specialized hazardous waste management due to its explosive classification. Disposal must be performed by licensed hazardous waste disposal companies experienced in handling explosive materials. Never attempt to dispose of this substance through regular waste channels or by pouring down drains. Contact authorized waste disposal services who can safely neutralize or destroy the material using appropriate methods. All disposal activities must comply with local and international regulations governing explosive waste management and environmental protection.
How to transport ethyl nitrate?
Ethyl nitrate transport requires compliance with dangerous goods regulations due to its explosive classification. Transportation must follow ADR/IMDG/IATA dangerous goods guidelines for unstable explosives, using appropriate packaging, labeling, and documentation. Only authorized carriers with proper licenses and equipment can transport this substance. Vehicles must be equipped with explosion-proof systems and appropriate safety equipment. Special routing and timing restrictions may apply, and emergency response information must accompany all shipments to ensure safe transport.
Is ethyl nitrate subject to particular regulations?
Ethyl nitrate is subject to extensive regulatory control due to its explosive classification under CLP regulation with GHS01 pictogram and 'Danger' signal word. It falls under REACH regulation requirements for registration and safety data provision. The substance is not currently listed as an SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern). Additional regulations may include explosive licensing requirements, transport restrictions, and specialized storage permits. Users must comply with national explosive regulations and obtain appropriate permits before handling or storing this material.
Where to buy ethyl nitrate in Europe?
Ethyl nitrate is available through specialized chemical distributors in Europe who are licensed to handle explosive materials. OYSI, as a European chemical distributor, can provide information about availability and regulatory requirements for this controlled substance. Due to its explosive classification, purchase requires appropriate licenses and compliance with regulatory requirements. Buyers must demonstrate proper facilities, training, and legitimate industrial use. Contact OYSI's technical team for specific availability, regulatory guidance, and safety documentation requirements for ethyl nitrate procurement.
Data Sources
Classification per CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Data from ECHA and PubChem.