Substance profile
Ethyl Nitrate
Ethyl Nitrate is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl Nitrate is
Ethyl Nitrate is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It boils at 87.2 °C, melts at -94.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H200 | Unstable explosives. |
Precautionary statements: P210
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl Nitrate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 87.2 °C (189 °F) | at 762 mmHg | HSDB |
| 87.7 °C (189.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -94.6 °C (-138.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -112 °C (-169.6 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.1084 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.004 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Sol in alcohol and ether; insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Sol in water, miscible in ethanol and ethyl ether | HSDB | ||
| 1.3 G SOL IN 100 ML WATER @ 55 °C | at 55 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 64 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 64 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 10 °C (50 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 3.8 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 3.1 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl Nitrate
Reactivity
Organonitrates, such as ETHYL NITRATE, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl Nitrate in the storage compatibility matrix →