Dinitromethane

Dinitromethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₂(NO₂)₂.^[2] Purified dinitromethane is a colorless liquid with a weak pleasant odor. It is relatively stable at room temperature and can be safely stored for months at 0 °C.^[1]

Dinitromethane

Names
Preferred IUPAC name Dinitromethane
Identifiers
CAS Number	625-76-3 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	55118 Y
PubChem CID	61172
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID50211548
InChI InChI=1S/CH2N2O4/c4-2(5)1-3(6)7/h1H2 Y Key: WINNISSSXBRWMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/CH2N2O4/c4-2(5)1-3(6)7/h1H2 Key: WINNISSSXBRWMA-UHFFFAOYAE
SMILES C([N+](=O)[O-])[N+](=O)[O-]
Properties
Chemical formula	CH2N2O4
Molar mass	106.037 g·mol−1
Boiling point	39 to 40 °C (102 to 104 °F; 312 to 313 K) (at 2 mmHg)[1]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Synthesis

The potassium salt of dinitromethanide, KCH(NO₂)₂, was first prepared by Villiers in 1884 by reduction of bromodinitromethane.^[3] Hydrogen fluoride and the potassium salt of dinitromethane react in diethyl ether to form dinitromethane.^[1] Free dinitromethane was previously understood to be a pale, yellow oil that decomposed rapidly at ambient temperatures.^[4]

Dinitromethane should not be confused with methylene dinitrate (CH₂(ONO₂)₂), which is produced as a byproduct in the production of the explosive RDX.^[5]

Safety

The transportation of dinitromethane is forbidden by the U.S. Department of Transportation.^[6]