Ethyl nitrate

Ethyl nitrate
IUPAC name

Ethyl nitrate
Other names

Nitric acid ethyl ester
Identifiers
CAS number 625-58-1
PubChem 12259
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C2H5NO3
Molar mass 91.07 g/mol
Appearance Liquid
Melting point

−102 °C
Boiling point

87 °C
Related compounds
Related Alkyl nitrates Methyl nitrate
Ethylene glycol dinitrate
Isopropyl nitrate
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Ethyl nitrate has formula C2H5NO3. It is used in organic synthesis and as an intermediate in the preparation of some drugs, dyes, and perfumes.

Ethyl nitrate is found in the atmosphere, where it can react with other gases to form smog. Originally thought to be a pollutant, formed mainly by the combustion of fossil fuels, recent analysis of ocean water samples reveal that in places where cool water rises from the deep, the water is saturated with alkyl nitrates, likely formed by natural processes.[1]

Preparation

Ethyl nitrate has been prepared by bubbling gaseous nitryl fluoride through ethanol at −10 °C.[2] The reaction was subsequently studied in detail.[3]

References

  1. ^ S. Perkins (August 12, 2002). "Ocean yields gases that had seemed humanmade". Science News. http://sciencenews.org/articles/20020817/fob8ref.asp. 
  2. ^ G. Hetherington and R. L. Robinson (1954). "Nitryl fluoride as a nitrating agent". J. Chem. Soc.: 3512. doi:10.1039/JR9540003512. 
  3. ^ B. S. Fedorov and L. T. Eremenko (1997). "Nitration of alcohols by nitryl fluoride". Russian Chemical Bulletin 46 (5): 1022–1023. doi:10.1007/BF02496138.