N-Nitrocarbamide

Chemical properties

White, crystalline powder.Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, acetone, and acetic acid.

The Uses of N-Nitrocarbamide

Explosives.

General Description

A colorless to white crystalline powder solid. Mildly sensitive to heat and shock. An extremely powerful explosive. Decomposes to emit toxic nitrogen oxide fumes. May explode under exposure to intense heat or fire. Primary hazard is blast of an instantaneous explosion, not flying projectiles or fragments.

Air & Water Reactions

Hydrolysis occurs in water.

Reactivity Profile

Explosive mercury or silver salts are rather sensitive to heat and impact, while the pure material is much more insensitive. Organonitrate compounds, such as N-Nitrocarbamide, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes.

Hazard

Severe explosion risk.

Health Hazard

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.

Safety Profile

A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. A severe explosion hazard when shocked or exposed to heat. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. It is a lugh explosive. Incompatible with mercuric and silver salts. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of NOx. See also EXPLOSIVES, HIGH; and NITRATES.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from EtOH/pet ether. Dry it in vacuo ~50o. [Ingersoll & Arenendt Org Synth Coll Vol I 417 1941.]