Nitrous acid methyl ester

Product Name: Methyl nitrite (CAS NO.624-91-9)

Molecular Formula: CH₃NO₂
Molecular Weight: 61.04002g/mol
Mol File: 624-91-9.mol
Einecs: 210-870-5
Melting Point: -16 °C, 257 K, 3 °F
Boiling point: -12 °C, 261 K, 10 °F
Density: 1.1 g/cm³
Surface Tension: 30.7 dyne/cm
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 22.84 kJ/mol
Vapour Pressure: 2790 mmHg at 25°C
XLogP3-AA: 0
H-Bond Donor: 0
H-Bond Acceptor: 3

Methyl nitrite can be prepared by the reaction of silver nitrite with a iodomethane:Silver nitrite (AgNO₂) exists in solution as the silver ion, Ag⁺ and the nitrite ion, NO₂⁻. One of the lone pairs on an oxygen from nitrite ion attacks the methyl group (—CH₃), releasing the iodide ion into solution. Unlike silver nitrite, silver iodide is highly insoluble in water and thus forms a solid. Note that nitrogen is a better nucleophile than oxygen and most nitrites would react via an S_N2-like mechanism and the major product would be nitromethane. For example, sodium and potassium nitrite reacting with iodomethane would produce mostly nitromethane, with methyl nitrite as the minor product. However, the presence of the silver ion in solution has a stabilizing effect on the formation of carbocation intermediates, increasing the percent yield of methyl nitrite. In either case, some nitromethane and methyl nitrite are both formed.

 Nitrous acid methyl ester is an oxidizing agent. A heat-sensitive explosive. [Lewis]. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity. May, if mixed with reducing agents including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Reacts with inorganic bases to form explosive salts.
Health Hazard Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

Moderately toxic by inhalation. Mutation data reported. Narcotic in high concentration. A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. A heat-sensitive explosive more powerful than ethyl nitrite. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NO_x. See also NITRITES and n-AMYL NITRITE.
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Silane will ignite spontaneously in air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

DOT Classification:  Forbidden

 Methyl nitrite ,its CAS NO. is 624-91-9,the synonyms is Nitrous acid methyl ester ; Nitrous acid methyl .