Methyl Nitrate

[fmeriqui]

ok, so i decided to contribute a little since i have learned many things from this forum...

here is my synthesis of Methyl Nitrate:

Methyl nitrate is the methyl ester of nitric acid and has the chemical formula CH3NO3.
Methyl nitrate is toxic and a sensitive explosive. It causes headaches when fumes are inhaled. It can be produced by the condensation of nitric acid and methanol:
CH3OH + HNO3 → CH3NO3 + H2O
When ignited it burns extremely fiercely with a gray-blue flame.
Methyl nitrate can be produced on a laboratory or industrial scale either through the distillation of a mixture of methanol and nitric acid, or by the nitration of methanol by a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids. The first procedure is not preferred due to the great explosion danger presented by the methyl nitrate vapour. The second procedure is essentially identical to that of making nitroglycerin. However, the process is usually run at a slightly higher temperature and the mixture is stirred mechanically on an industrial scale instead of with compressed air.
The velocity of detonation (VOD) of methyl nitrate is 8000 m/s and is one of the most brisant explosives known. The sensitivity of methyl nitrate to initiation by detonation is among the greatest known, with even a number one blasting cap, the lowest power available, producing a near full detonation of the explosive.
Despite the superior explosive properties of methyl nitrate, it has not received application as an explosive due mostly to its high volatility, which prevents it from being stored or handled safely.


Molecular formula -- CH3NO3
Molar mass --77.04 g/mol
Density -- 1.203 g/cm³, liquid
Melting point -- -82.3 °C
Boiling point -- 64.6 °C (explodes)
VOD -- 8300 m/s

Materials:
Concentrated Sulfuric Acid
Nitrous Free Concentrated Nitric Acid
Methyl Alcohol
Sodium Hydroxide
Calcium Chloride
3 Erlenmeyer Flasks

Synthesis:

[Only fully-registered users can see this link]
Click Here to Register

If you have any questions feel free to ask

btw: its my first post, so if i have done something wrong please let me know

[Shadow]

Only thing you did wrong is you forgot to code you tutorial.

[fmeriqui]

Thanks!! MN is kinda dangerous but if you keep it below 30ºC its hard to get an accidental detonation

[wwwaaa]

MN is cheap and easy to make but... damn, unstable