Tetranitromethane
A failed rocket fuel oxidiser with an elusive structure
Tetranitromethane is a very simple organic compound. Yet despite being first made in 1857, its structure has proved so elusive that it was not firmly established until 2017.
Like nitromethane, tetranitromethane is an oxidiser – but a far more powerful one. This should make it a natural choice for space rockets, which require an oxidiser as well as a fuel because they soon reach altitudes where there isn’t enough oxygen available. Experimental work was under way in Germany during the second world war to use tetranitromethane to extend the range of V2 rockets. Fortunately for the allies, though, tetranitromethane is a tricky substance to deal with. It is extremely poisonous, freezes at around 13.9°C, and mixing in a small amount of fuel makes it a highly impact-sensitive explosive.
Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.
Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access
Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.
Get all this, plus much more:
- unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
- teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
- applications for funding to support your lessons
Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.
Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.