Most procurement teams looking for nitroethane already know what they need it for. What they often lack is a single reference covering purity grades, regulatory position, and the right questions to ask a supplier before placing an order. This guide covers all three.
What Is Nitroethane?
Nitroethane is a nitroalkane compound — a colourless, oily liquid with a mild fruity odour. It is the simplest two-carbon nitro compound and has been in commercial production for decades due to its versatility across synthesis, solvent, and fuel applications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 79-24-3 |
| Molecular formula | C₂H₅NO₂ |
| Molecular weight | 75.07 g/mol |
| Boiling point | 114 °C |
| Flash point | 28 °C (closed cup) |
| Density | 1.045 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | Partially miscible (4.5 g/100 mL) |
| Vapour pressure | 15.6 mmHg at 20 °C |
The compound is flammable (flash point 28 °C) and classified as a hazardous substance under CLP/GHS — handling requirements and SDS documentation are mandatory for all EU shipments.
Industrial Applications
Nitroethane occupies a specific niche in industrial chemistry: it is reactive enough to be a useful building block, yet stable enough to handle and store under standard conditions with appropriate precautions.
Organic synthesis intermediate. The most significant volume use. Nitroethane participates in Henry (nitroaldol) reactions, condensations, and reductions to produce amines and other nitrogen-containing compounds used across pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Solvent in coatings and adhesives. Nitroethane has good solvency for resins, cellulose esters, and certain polymers. It evaporates faster than ethanol but slower than acetone, making it useful for formulations that require a controlled dry time. It blends well with common co-solvents including esters, ketones, and alcohols.
Fuel additive. In combustion applications — particularly high-performance and model engines — nitroethane is used as an oxygen-bearing fuel additive. It increases power output by supplying additional oxygen to the combustion process.
Pharmaceutical and fine chemical production. Nitroethane serves as a precursor in multi-step synthesis routes where a nitro group is introduced early and later reduced or transformed. Reagent and pharmaceutical grades are specified for these applications because trace impurities affect reaction yields and downstream product quality.
Purity Grades and What They Mean in Practice
Not all nitroethane is the same. The grade you specify will determine whether the material performs as expected in your process.
Technical grade (95–97% purity) covers the majority of solvent and fuel applications. Minor impurities — typically residual nitropropane isomers and water — are tolerated by most industrial processes. If your application involves a controlled reaction or formulation where trace contaminants would interfere, technical grade is unlikely to be sufficient.
Reagent grade (≥98–99% purity) is the standard for laboratory work and most synthetic applications. A full certificate of analysis (COA) covering assay, water content (Karl Fischer), and colour index is standard practice. When sourcing for R&D or pilot-scale synthesis, request the COA before approving a supplier.
High-purity / GC-standard grade (≥99.5%) is specified where nitroethane is used as a reference standard, for calibration, or in analytical chemistry. This grade typically includes additional characterisation data including GC purity trace and residual solvent values.
When evaluating suppliers, ask specifically what impurities are measured and reported — not just the headline assay figure.
Regulatory Position in the EU
Nitroethane is not a controlled precursor under EU Regulation 2019/1148 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors, which means it does not require special authorisation for professional purchases. However, it is classified as a hazardous substance under CLP:
- GHS02 — Flammable liquids, Category 3
- GHS07 — Irritant (skin, eye, and respiratory)
EU suppliers are required to provide a compliant SDS under REACH/CLP and must ship with appropriate ADR classification (UN 2842, Packing Group III). Confirm that your supplier’s documentation is current and matches the batch being shipped. Ozon Chemical supplies REACH-registered material with full documentation included on every order.
What to Check Before Placing an Order
A supplier audit checklist for nitroethane should include:
- COA for each batch — assay method (GC or titration), water content, specific gravity, colour (Hazen/APHA)
- SDS in your country’s official language — required under EU regulation
- ADR compliance on delivery documentation — UN 2842, Class 3, PG III
- Lead times and minimum order quantities — nitroethane is not an exotic chemical, but batch availability varies by supplier
- Storage and shelf life guidance — typical shelf life is 24 months in sealed containers away from heat and ignition sources
- Sample availability — reputable suppliers will provide a small sample for quality verification before a first bulk order
Packaging and Storage
Nitroethane is typically supplied in 1 L, 5 L, and 25 L containers for laboratory quantities, and in 200 L drums or IBC for bulk industrial volumes. Containers must be UN-approved for Class 3 flammable liquids.
Storage requirements are standard for flammable solvents: cool, well-ventilated area, away from oxidising agents and open flames. Ground containers when transferring to prevent static discharge. Full storage guidance is included in the product SDS.
Buy Nitroethane from Ozon Chemical
Ozon Chemical supplies nitroethne in reagent and technical grades from EU stock, with COA and SDS provided for every order. We serve laboratory, industrial, and manufacturing buyers across Europe with compliant documentation and worldwide shipping.
Browse our full range of industrial solvents and reagents or contact us directly to discuss volume pricing.
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