CH3NO2
CH3NO2, commonly known as nitromethane, is the simplest nitroalkane. It consists of a methyl group attached to a nitro group (–NO2) and is used as a versatile solvent and chemical building block. In appearance it is a colorless, mobile liquid with a characteristic odor. The molecule is polar due to the nitro group, and the carbon-hydrogen bonds alpha to the nitro group are relatively acidic, enabling formation of a nitromethyl carbanion under strong bases.
Structure and properties relevant to reactivity stem from the nitro group, which withdraws electron density and
Production and availability: nitromethane is produced commercially by controlled nitration and related processes of methane derivatives
Uses: as a solvent, nitromethane dissolves many organic compounds and serves as a reagent in the preparation
Safety: nitromethane is flammable and toxic if inhaled or absorbed. It can form explosive mixtures with oxidizers