NH2NO2

NH2NO2, commonly known as nitramide, is the simplest nitramide with the formula NH2NO2. It consists of an amino group attached to a nitro moiety via an N–N bond, giving a planar molecule with resonance forms that distribute charge between the two nitrogen centers.

Nitramide is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is reactive as an oxidizer and can decompose exothermically when heated or subjected to shock or friction. It has limited stability under ordinary handling conditions and is typically stored and used only in specialized chemical contexts. It is soluble in polar solvents and serves mainly as a chemical intermediate rather than a bulk material.

Synthesis and occurrence: Nitramide is prepared in specialized laboratories or industrial facilities through controlled oxidation or nitrosation routes starting from ammonia-derived substrates. Due to its energetic character, production and handling are conducted under strict safety protocols. It is not a common bulk chemical and does not occur naturally.

Applications: The primary relevance of nitramide is as a building block in the synthesis of higher nitramines and related energetic materials. Through subsequent transformations, nitramide-derived fragments contribute to compounds such as nitramine explosives. It is also used in research contexts as a reference or reagent in studies of nitrogen-oxide chemistry.

Safety: As a high-energy oxidizer, nitramide can pose explosion and toxic-gas risks under improper conditions. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment, in inert or controlled environments, and stored away from acids, bases, reducing agents, and ignition sources.

See also: nitramide family, nitramines, RDX, HMX, energetic materials.