AcONO2

AcONO2, also known as acetyl nitrate, is an organic compound classified as an acyl nitrate. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis and in various chemical research applications.

Chemically, acetyl nitrate consists of a nitrate group (ONO2) attached to an acetyl group (CH3CO−). It can be produced through the reaction of acetic anhydride with concentrated nitric acid, which introduces the nitrate functionality into the acetic framework. This compound is relatively sensitive and can decompose upon heating or in the presence of light.

Acetyl nitrate serves as a nitrating agent, capable of introducing nitro groups into aromatic compounds under specific conditions. Its reactivity is similar to other acyl nitrates, making it useful in the synthesis of nitrated organic compounds, which are valuable in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.

Due to its instability and potential health hazards, handling acetyl nitrate requires proper safety precautions, including the use of protective equipment and adequate ventilation. It is classified as a hazardous substance owing to its corrosive nature and its propensity to decompose violently under certain conditions.

While not widely used commercially outside specialized chemical research, acetyl nitrate remains a relevant reagent in organic chemistry for nitration processes and the study of reactive nitrate-containing intermediates. Its properties and reactivity continue to be of interest within the fields of chemical synthesis and mechanistic studies.