Substance profile
Nitromethane
Nitromethane is a colorless liquid with a moderately strong, somewhat disagreeable odor.
01 · Identification
What Nitromethane is
Nitromethane is a colorless liquid with a moderately strong, somewhat disagreeable odor. It boils at 101 °C, melts at -28.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · Identifiers
Nitromethane identifiers and molecular data
Nitromethane CAS number and EC number
Nitromethane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Nitromethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Nitromethane pictograms and signal word
Nitromethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 3 | H226 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
Nitromethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Nitromethane. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Nitromethane
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Nitromethane issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Nitromethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 9 precautionary statements to Nitromethane. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Nitromethane name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | нитрометан |
| Spanish español | Nitrometano |
| Czech čeština | nitromethan |
| Danish dansk | nitromethan |
| German Deutsch | Nitromethan |
| Estonian eesti | nitrometaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | νιτρομεθάνιο |
| English English | nitromethane |
| French français | nitrométhane |
| Croatian hrvatski | nitrometan |
| Italian italiano | nitrometano |
| Latvian latviešu | nitrometāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | nitrometanas |
| Hungarian magyar | nitrometán |
| Maltese Malti | nitrometan |
| Dutch Nederlands | nitromethaan |
| Polish polski | nitrometan |
| Portuguese português | nitrometano |
| Romanian română | nitrometan |
| Slovak slovenčina | nitrometán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | nitrometan |
| Finnish suomi | nitrometaani |
| Swedish svenska | nitrometan |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Nitromethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Nitromethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Warning
Nitromethane
- Flammable liquid and vapour.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- IF SWALLOWED:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Rinse mouth.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Nitromethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Nitromethane health hazards and exposure limits
Nitromethane hazard summary
The lethal oral dose in humans is between 0.5 and 5 g/kg. Nitromethane can cause respiratory irritation, narcosis, and possibly liver injury. Animals in subchronic inhalation studies suffer thyroid injury. [ACGIH] Not irritating to the skin; Can detonate under conditions of normal temperature and pressure; [CHEMINFO] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS depression; May cause effects on the liver, kidneys, and peripheral nervous system after repeated exposures; Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with acids, bases, metal oxides, hydrocarbons and other combustible materials. [ICSC]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Nitromethane carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these waterborne studies, 2,2-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-propanediol at concentrations of up to 150 mg/L for 16 months was considered carcinogenic for male guppies based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenomas or carcinomas. The study in female guppies was considered inadequate based on reduced survival. Under the conditions of these waterborne studies, 2,2-bis(bromomethyl)- 1,3-propanediol at concentrations of up to 150 mg/L for 14 months was considered carcinogenic for male medaka based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenomas or carcinomas. The study in female medaka was considered negative.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-528: Carcinogenesis Studies of 2,2-bis(Bromomethyl)-1,3-Propanediol, Nitromethane, and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (CASRNs 3296-90-0, 75-52-5, and 96-18-4) in Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and Medaka (Oryzias latipes) (Waterborne Studies) (2005 )
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Nitromethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 100 ppm (250 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 750 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 750.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 750 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Nitromethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Nitromethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 101.1 °C (214 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 101.22 °C (214.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Nitromethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -28.7 °C (-19.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -28.89 °C (-20 °F) | NIOSH |
Nitromethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.1384 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.14 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 1.1371 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Nitromethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and alkali | HSDB | |
| Solubility of water in nitromethane: 2.1% at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 1.11X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Nitromethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 28 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 27.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 35.8 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Nitromethane flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 35 °C (95 °F) | Closed Cup | HSDB |
| 36 °C (96.8 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 35 °C (95 °F) | NIOSH |
Nitromethane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 418.33 °C (785 °F) | HSDB | |
| 417 °C (782.6 °F) | ICSC |
Nitromethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 7.3 % by volume | HSDB |
Nitromethane upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 63 % by volume | HSDB |
Nitromethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 2.11 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.1 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Nitromethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | The human odor threshold for nitromethane is 3.5 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 3.5 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Nitromethane critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 315 °C (599 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Nitromethane fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Nitromethane fire potential
A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, oxidizers or flame.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Nitromethane storage and handling
Nitromethane safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Nitromethane storage conditions
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from amines, acids, bases, oxidizing materials, and metal oxides. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Nitromethane incompatible materials
Amines; strong acids, alkalis and oxidizers; hydrocarbons and other combustible materials; metallic oxides [Note: Slowly corrodes steel and copper when wet.]
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Nitromethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Nitromethane UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Nitromethane under UN 1261 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NITROMETHANE | 3 | F1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitromethane | 3 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Nitromethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Nitromethane?
The CAS number of Nitromethane is 75-52-5. Its EC number is 200-876-6.
What does a Nitromethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Nitromethane carries the pictograms Flame and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Warning.
Is Nitromethane flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Nitromethane H226 — flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 35 °C (95 °F), Closed Cup (HSDB).
Is Nitromethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Nitromethane. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Nitromethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Nitromethane is 100.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Nitromethane?
The boiling point reported for Nitromethane is 101.1 °C (214 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Nitromethane?
The melting point reported for Nitromethane is -28.7 °C (-19.7 °F) (HSDB).
How should Nitromethane be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Nitromethane the storage statement P403. Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from amines, acids, bases, oxidizing materials, and metal oxides. Outside or detached storage is preferred. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
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