Nitromethane

Nitromethane is a colourless oily liquid used in organic synthesis, and as a fuel for rockets, racing cars and model aircraft.

Uses​

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• Nitromethane is an acidic carbon in organic synthesis. It is also used as a motor racing fuel particularly for drag racing or radio-controlled models.​
• The type of use will affect how hazardous nitromethane is. Nitromethane can detonate more easily when contaminated by acids, bases, amines or other “sensitizing” chemicals, or when handled at both increased pressure AND elevated temperatures​.

Recommended control measures​

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This is a controlled chemical – see information on standards for all controlled chemicals.

​Raised temperature and pressure

There is published evidence that nitromethane can be used in certain experiments at a raised temperature. However, this is not standard UCL practice and must be approved by the research group leader, and depending on the departmental O&A, the HoD and the full process signed off. ​

​Storage

Store in accordance with good practice. As an explosive, nitromethane should be treated as a controlled material and storage should be safe and secure. Any unexpected or uncontrolled loss must be reported to UCL Safety Services. ​

Health surveillance ​

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None.

Chemical safety library

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> Read more about control measures for chemicals in our chemical safety library