NITRATION OF PROPANE (Production of Nitroparaffins)

Nitrating propane produces a complex mixture of nitro compounds ranging from nitromethane to nitropropanes. The presence of lower nitroparaffins is attributed to carbon-carbon bond fission occurring at the temperature used. Temperatures and pressures are in the range of 390°–440°C and 100–125 psig, respectively. Increasing the mole ratio of propane to nitric acid increases the yield of nitropropanes. Typical product composition for 25:1 propane/acid ratio is:

Nitropropanes are good solvents for vinyl and epoxy resins. They are also used to manufacture rocket propellants. Nitromethane is a fuel additive for racing cars.

Figure 1.1. Effect of temperature on the dehydrogenation of light paraffins at one atmosphere.

Nitropropane reacts with formaldehyde producing nitroalcohols:

These difunctional compounds are versatile solvents, but they are expensive.