Nitroethane


 * Nitroethane** is an [|organic compound] having the chemical formula C2H5NO2. Similar in many regards to [|nitromethane], nitroethane is an oily liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Pure nitroethane is colourless and has a fruity odor.


 * Molecular formula || C2H5NO2 ||
 * Molar mass || 75.07 g/mol ||
 * Density || 1.054 g/cm3, liquid ||
 * Melting point || -90 °C, 183 K, -130 °F ||
 * Boiling point || 112.0–116.0 °C (385.2–389.2 K) ||
 * Solubility in water || slightly soluble (4.6 g/100 ml at 20°C) ||
 * Viscosity || 0.677 Pa·s at 20 °C ||

Preparation
Nitroethane is produced industrially by treating [|propane] with [|nitric acid] at 350–450 °C. This [|exothermic] reaction produces four industrially significant nitroalkanes: [|nitromethane], nitroethane, 1-nitropropane, and 2-nitropropane. The reaction involves free radicals, such as CH3CH2CH2O**.**, which arise via homolysis of the corresponding nitrite [|ester]. These alkoxy radicals are susceptible to C—C fragmentation reactions, which explains the formation of a mixture of products.

Uses
Via condensations like the [|Henry reaction], nitroethane converts to several compounds of commercial interest. Condensation with 3,4-dimethoxy [|benzaldehyde] affords the precursor to the [|antihypertensive] drug [|methyldopa] ; condensation with unsubstituted benzaldehyde yields [|phenyl-2-nitropropene]. Nitroethane condenses with two equivalents of [|formaldehyde] to give, after [|hydrogenation], 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, which in turn condenses with oleic acid to give an oxazoline, which protonates to give a cationic [|surfactant]. [|[1]] Like some other nitrated organic compounds, nitroethane is also used as a [|fuel additive] and a precursor to [|explosives]. Nitroethane is a useful solvent for polymers such as [|polystyrene] and is particularly useful for dissolving [|cyanoacrylate] adhesives.[// [|citation needed] //] In niche applications, it has been used as a component in [|artificial nail] remover and in overhead ceiling sealant sprays.

Toxicity
Nitroethane is suspected to cause genetic damage and be harmful to the [|nervous system]. Typical TLV/TWA is 100 ppm. Typical STEL is 150 ppm. Skin contact causes [|dermatitis] in humans. In animal studies, nitroethane exposure was observed to cause [|lacrimation], [|dyspnea] , pulmonary rales, [|edema] , liver and kidney injury, and narcosis. [|[2]] Children have been poisoned by accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover. [|[3]] The [|LD50] for rats is reported as 1100 mg/kg.