Trinitromethane

CHN3O6

trinitromethane

CAS517-25-9

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Identification

CAS Number
517-25-9
EC Number
208-236-8
UN Number
PubChem CID
10602

Physical-chemical properties

Molecular Formula
CHN3O6
Molar Mass
151.04 g/mol
IUPAC Name
trinitromethane

Chemical Identifiers

InChI
InChI=1S/CHN3O6/c5-2(6)1(3(7)8)4(9)10/h1H
InChI Key
LZGVDNRJCGPNDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Overview

Trinitromethane (CAS 517-25-9) is a highly nitrated organic compound with explosive properties and extreme sensitivity to shock and friction. This rare and highly specialized chemical compound represents one of the most heavily nitrated simple organic molecules, containing three nitro groups attached to a single carbon atom. Despite its theoretical importance in energetic materials research, trinitromethane presents exceptional handling challenges due to its extraordinary instability and explosive nature. The compound exists as a crystalline solid under standard conditions but demonstrates extreme sensitivity to physical stimuli, making it one of the most dangerous nitro compounds known to chemistry. The molecular structure of trinitromethane creates significant steric strain and electronic instability, resulting in a compound that can detonate spontaneously under minimal provocation. Its high oxygen balance and dense packing of energetic groups contribute to its powerful explosive characteristics, though these same properties severely limit its practical applications. The compound's instability is so pronounced that it typically cannot be stored or transported using conventional methods. Due to its extreme hazard profile, trinitromethane finds very limited industrial applications, primarily restricted to specialized research in energetics and theoretical studies of highly nitrated compounds. It may serve as a reference material in explosive sensitivity testing and advanced materials research under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. Given the exceptional safety requirements and regulatory restrictions surrounding this compound, OYSI provides trinitromethane only for specific research applications through specialized handling protocols and expert consultation services.

Safety & Classification

No Hazard Classification

This substance is not classified as hazardous according to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is trinitromethane?

Trinitromethane is a highly nitrated organic compound with the molecular formula CHN3O6 and CAS number 517-25-9. This chemical substance has a molecular weight of 151.04 g/mol and belongs to the family of nitro compounds. It is characterized by three nitro groups (-NO2) attached to a central carbon atom, making it an extremely energetic material with significant chemical reactivity and potential instability under certain conditions.

What are the physicochemical properties of trinitromethane?

Trinitromethane is typically a crystalline solid at room temperature with high density due to its nitrated structure. The compound exhibits extreme sensitivity to heat, shock, and friction, making it highly unstable. It demonstrates limited solubility in water but may dissolve in certain organic solvents. The substance is characterized by its explosive nature and tendency to decompose rapidly under various stimuli, releasing significant amounts of energy.

What is trinitromethane used for?

Trinitromethane is primarily used in specialized research applications and explosive formulations due to its highly energetic properties. Its main applications include academic research into energetic materials, chemical synthesis intermediates, and specialized industrial processes requiring high-energy compounds. However, its extreme instability and safety concerns severely limit its practical commercial applications, making it suitable only for highly controlled laboratory environments with specialized safety protocols.

How to handle trinitromethane safely?

Trinitromethane requires extreme safety precautions due to its highly explosive nature and sensitivity to various stimuli. Essential safety measures include wearing full protective equipment, working in blast-resistant facilities with remote handling capabilities, and maintaining strict environmental controls. Only trained explosive handling specialists should work with this material, using appropriate grounding procedures, anti-static equipment, and emergency response protocols. Minimal quantities should be handled at any time.

How to store trinitromethane correctly?

Trinitromethane storage requires specialized explosive storage facilities with temperature control, vibration isolation, and strict security measures. The compound must be kept in appropriate containers designed for explosive materials, away from heat sources, mechanical shock, and incompatible substances. Storage areas should have proper ventilation, fire suppression systems, and limited access protocols. Regular inspection and inventory management are essential to ensure safe storage conditions and material integrity.

What to do in case of contact with trinitromethane?

Immediate evacuation of the area is the primary response to any incident involving trinitromethane due to explosion risk. For skin contact, gently brush off any solid material without creating friction and seek immediate medical attention. In case of inhalation or ingestion, move to fresh air and contact emergency services immediately. Do not attempt standard first aid procedures that might create mechanical disturbance. Professional hazmat teams should handle any spills or contamination incidents.

How to dispose of trinitromethane appropriately?

Trinitromethane disposal requires specialized explosive waste management services due to its hazardous nature. The material cannot be disposed of through normal chemical waste channels and must be handled by certified explosive disposal experts. Disposal methods typically involve controlled detonation or specialized chemical neutralization processes in appropriate facilities. All disposal activities must comply with local explosive waste regulations and require proper documentation and permits from relevant authorities.

How to transport trinitromethane?

Trinitromethane transport requires specialized explosive transportation protocols under dangerous goods regulations. The material must be packaged in approved explosive containers, properly labeled, and transported by certified dangerous goods carriers. Transport documentation, emergency response information, and route planning are mandatory. Due to its extreme sensitivity, transport is typically restricted to minimal quantities and may require special permits or escort procedures depending on local regulations.

Is trinitromethane subject to specific regulations?

Trinitromethane is subject to extensive regulations governing explosive materials, including REACH registration requirements, CLP classification protocols, and national explosive control laws. The substance requires special permits for possession, use, and distribution in most jurisdictions. Additional regulations may apply regarding storage licensing, transport permits, and security clearances. Users must comply with all applicable explosive material regulations and maintain proper documentation for regulatory compliance.

Where to buy trinitromethane in Europe?

Trinitromethane availability is extremely limited due to its hazardous nature and regulatory restrictions on explosive materials. OYSI, as a European chemical distributor, can provide information about specialized suppliers and regulatory requirements for obtaining this material. Purchase requires proper licensing, security clearances, and compliance with explosive material regulations. Customers must demonstrate legitimate research or industrial needs and appropriate safety facilities before any procurement discussions can proceed.

Data Sources

Classification per CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Data from ECHA and PubChem.