Substance profile
Nitromethane
Nitromethane is a colorless liquid with a moderately strong, somewhat disagreeable odor.
01 · Identification
What Nitromethane is
Nitromethane is a colorless liquid with a moderately strong, somewhat disagreeable odor. It boils at 101 °C, melts at -28.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as carcinogens.
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P270, P301, P312, P330, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Nitromethane 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 | 101.1 °C (214 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 101.22 °C (214.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -28.7 °C (-19.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -28.89 °C (-20 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.1384 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.14 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 1.1371 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and alkali | HSDB | |
| Solubility of water in nitromethane: 2.1% at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 1.11X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 28 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 27.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 35.8 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 35 °C (95 °F) | Closed Cup | HSDB |
| 36 °C (96.8 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 35 °C (95 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 418.33 °C (785 °F) | HSDB | |
| 417 °C (782.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 7.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 63 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.11 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.1 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | The human odor threshold for nitromethane is 3.5 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 3.5 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 315 °C (599 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Nitromethane
Storage conditions
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from amines, acids, bases, oxidizing materials, and metal oxides. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Amines; strong acids, alkalis and oxidizers; hydrocarbons and other combustible materials; metallic oxides [Note: Slowly corrodes steel and copper when wet.]
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Nitromethane in the storage compatibility matrix →