Nitroethane(NE) is a colourless organic compound having a fruity odor and the chemical formula C2H5NO2. Similar in many regards to nitromethane, it is an oily liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
The nitroparaffins possess a combination of physical and chemical properties which make them essential for many diversified applications. NE has found its greatest use as a synthetic intermediate and specialty solvent.
Uses as a Solvent
Nitroethane(CAS: 79-24-3) has solvency properties of particular interest for specialty applications. It is an excellent solvent for a wide variety of organic compounds and for resins, such as acrylic and vinyl resins, used in coatings and inks. It can be used as a solvent for the extraction of rosin from wood, for example. Separation systems based on NE have been devised and studied extensively for fractionating petroleum distillate oils and for the dewaxing of diesel fuels.
Nitroethane is useful in inhibiting the decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbon solvents, thus preventing their release of acids. The addition of a small amount of the material to these useful degreasing solvents and refrigerants eliminates their corrosive attack on metals. Some inorganic materials are also soluble in it. For instance, nitric acid and uranyl ions will dissolve in the chemcial and with it can be extracted from aqueous media and purified. NE is a solvent for anhydrous aluminum chloride, which forms a 1:1 complex with nitroethane.
Uses in Synthesis
Nitroethane is most useful as a chemical intermediate for organic synthesis. Because of the acidity of its α-hydrogen atoms, it undergoes many base-catalyzed addition and condensation reactions. Such reactions are convenient for the introduction of nitro groups into molecules. The first step in the synthesis of the insecticide Prolan, for instance, is the condensation of it with chlorobenzaldehyde.
Nitro compounds are readily reduced to the corresponding amino compounds. 2-Nitro-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (NMPD), formed by the reaction of twomoles of formaldehyde with nitroethane, can be reduced to 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD). The insecticide methomyl is conveniently prepared by the treatment of the potassium salt of NE with methyl mercaptan and methanol.
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, NE exposure was observed to cause lacrimation, dyspnea, pulmonary rales, edema, liver and kidney injury, and narcosis. Children have been poisoned by accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover.
Uriah Sweety is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals! Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.
uriahsweety 