Nitro compound - Definition and Overview

Nitro compounds are organic compounds that contain one or more nitro functional groups (NO₂). They are often highly explosive and volatile; various impurities or improper handling can easily trigger a violent exothermic decomposition. Inorganic salts containing the nitro group are called nitrates.

Nitro compounds are usually produced by adding nitric acid to an organic reactant dissolved in sulfuric acid. This allows the reaction to be more safely controlled by limiting the available nitrogen. Sulfuric acid helps to control the temperature of the reaction by diluting the mixture; additionally, as this acid is strongly hydrolytic, extra water is removed from the reaction.

Despite these precautions, however, producing nitro compounds carries significant risks. A relatively minor error is quite likely to cause a major explosion. Because of this, the potential accident must be planned for, especially with regard to containment of the reactants in the event of an explosion. In the production of nitroglycerin, for example, commercial laboratories may dump the mixture into a vat of ice-cold water if the temperature rises too quickly above 0°C.

See also

• nitrobenzene