2-Nitropropane (2-NP) is an organic compound with the formula . It is used as a
solvent
A solvent (from the Latin language, Latin ''wikt:solvo#Latin, solvō'', "loosen, untie, solve") is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a Solution (chemistry), solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas ...
.
It is a colorless liquid and is classified as a
nitro compound
In organic chemistry, nitro compounds are organic compounds that contain one or more nitro functional groups (). The nitro group is one of the most common explosophores (functional group that makes a compound explosive) used globally. The nit ...
.
Preparation
2-Nitropropane is produced by the high-temperature vapor-phase nitration of
propane
Propane () is a three-carbon chain alkane with the molecular formula . It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but becomes liquid when compressed for transportation and storage. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum ref ...
, usually with impurities of
1-nitropropane. 2-Nitropropane is also produced as a volatile by-product that can be captured during Leonard's ring-closure
hydantoin preparation.
Uses
2-Nitropropane is used as a solvent or additive in inks, paints, adhesives, varnishes, polymers, resins, fuel, and coatings.
It is also used as a feedstock for other industrial chemicals,
[ and also in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as ]phentermine
Phentermine, sold under the brand name Adipex-P among others, is a medication used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity. It is available by itself or as the combination phentermine/topiramate. Phentermine is taken by mouth.
Com ...
, chlorphentermine, and teclozan. It serves as an oxidant
An oxidizing agent (also known as an oxidant, oxidizer, electron recipient, or electron acceptor) is a substance in a redox chemical reaction that gains or "Electron acceptor, accepts"/"receives" an electron from a (called the , , or ''electr ...
in the Hass–Bender oxidation process.
Safety
2-Nitropropane is a constituent of tobacco smoke.[ and it is listed as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen.]
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nitropropane, 2-
Nitroalkanes
Nitro solvents
Isopropyl compounds