This section provides an overview for nitromethane as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 nitromethane manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked nitromethane companies as of November, 2024: 1.KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC., 2.Jigs chemical, 3.Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd..
Table of Contents
Nitromethane, an organic compound, is represented by the chemical formula CH3NO2. As the simplest form of nitro compound, it holds a CAS registration number of 75-52-5. This compound is extensively utilized across various industries, serving roles in extraction, as a reaction and cleaning solvent. A notable historical event highlighted nitromethane's explosive nature when a freight train carrying it exploded in 1950. Nowadays, it is transported with added stabilizers due to its higher explosive energy compared to TNT, a well-known explosive.
Nitromethane finds its primary use as a raw material for solvents, combustion improvers, surfactants, explosives, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and fungicides. Beyond its role as a raw material, it sees widespread industrial use as an extraction, reaction, and cleaning solvent. In organic synthesis, it functions as a one-carbon carburizing reagent and an organic solvent. Noteworthy reactions utilizing nitromethane include the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction, which condenses nitroalkanes with aldehydes and ketones to yield β-nitroalcohols, and the Michael reaction, facilitating nucleophile addition to unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Additionally, its capability to generate greater power with less oxygen than gasoline makes it a preferred fuel in motorsports, such as drag racing.
With a molecular weight of 61.04, nitromethane is a colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature, featuring a melting point of -28℃ and a boiling point of 101℃. It possesses a distinct odor, a density of 1.13g/mL, and shows solubility in alcohol, ether, and dimethylformamide, though it is insoluble in water. Its acid dissociation constant (pKa) is 10.2, indicating the presence of a weakly acidic proton.
Primarily marketed as a research and development reagent, nitromethane is available in various capacities including 25 mL, 100 mL, 500 mL, and 500 g. These small-volume products are designed for easy laboratory handling. Given its potential hazards, nitromethane is a regulated compound, necessitating lawful and safe handling.
Industrial production of nitromethane involves reacting propane with nitric acid at temperatures between 350-400°C. This process also yields nitroethane, 1-nitropropane, and 2-nitropropane. The reaction mechanism includes the formation of free radicals, such as alkoxy radicals (CH3CH2CH2O), from the homolysis of the corresponding nitrate ester. Laboratory synthesis commonly employs sodium chloroacetate and sodium nitrite.
The nitroaldol (Henry) reaction is a notable chemical reaction involving nitromethane. This process deprotonates nitromethane using a base, followed by condensation with an aldehyde or ketone to produce β-nitroalcohol. This reaction mechanism extends from the aldol reaction, where a carbanion stabilized by a nitro group nucleophilically adds to a carbonyl group. The resulting β-alcohol undergoes dehydration to create a nitroalkene, serving as a valuable substrate for further reactions such as Michael addition and Neff reactions.
A combination of nitromethane and ammonium nitrate forms an explosive mixture. While pure nitromethane is less shock-sensitive, stabilizers are incorporated to minimize risk. It is classified as a flammable liquid and vapor and poses various health risks, including mild skin irritation, severe eye irritation, potential carcinogenic effects, and potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., founded in 1944 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a reagent manufacturer with overseas affiliates in other countries, including China, France, USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Its product portfolio includes analytical reagents, ionic liquids, Iodine compounds, ultra-pure chemicals, and water analysis kits. The company is also developing regenerative medicine and genetics reagents and has over 50,000 products. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, acquired in 1994, making it the first Japanese company in the reagent industry. Other certifications are ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO/IEC 17025.
Junsei Chemical Co. Ltd., established in 1948 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of chemical reagents and chemical products, including commissioned synthesis of chemical products. Some of the products it makes include Sodium chloride solution, concentrated glycerin, calcium chloride, ascorbic acid, and nitric acid. The chemical products have a wide range of applications and can be used in pathological examination, as food additives, for analysis, and in the pharmaceutical industry. All its plants, including its research institute, are ISO4001 and ISO9001 certified, while its Saitama and Ibaraki plants are equipped with buildings that comply with GMP.
Jigchem Universal is a manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and chemicals that was established in 2002 in Maharashtra, India. The company produces compounds used for a wide range of applications such as medication, industrial processing, and personal care products. Its products include inorganic solvents for surface treatment of various materials, APIs for human or veterinary use, and biocides for water treatment processes. The company serves clients in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory research, and metal fabrication sectors.
Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, established in 2001, is headquartered in China. The company is a chemical manufacturer and supplier of chemicals to domestic Chinese and global consumers in four primary markets: chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Chemicals include fine chemicals, agrochemicals, and other chemicals. Food includes agrochemicals, vitamins, amino acids, and food ingredients. Pharmaceuticals include specific chemicals such as Povidone iodine, Clotrimazole crystalline, and Lincomycin. The company also features a CAS databank for CAS-registered chemical compounds.
Antera Agro Chem, established in 2016, located in Vadodara, India, is a manufacturer and wholesaler of water-soluble fertilizers, gypsum powder, agrochemicals, and chlormequat chloride. The company deals with solvents like Nitrobenzene, DMF (Dimethylformamide), Cyclohexanone, 1,2 Butylene Oxide (Epoxy Butane), and Emulsifier 9.5. The success of Antera Agro Chem is attributed to the guidance of CEO Mr. Vikas Patel who brings valuable business experience and deep industry knowledge to the company.
Nacalai Tesque Inc., founded in 1846 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of research chemicals, fine chemicals, diagnostics, and the related instruments. Some of its products include cytokines, nucleic acid electrophoresis, cell dissociation reagents, and sialic acid-related products, and it also offers custom and bulk service for bulk reagents and cell culture media. The company has more than 50 domestic distributors and several worldwide, including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. It is ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 certified, while the Kyoto South brand and Tesque factory are ISO 14001 certified.
Joshi Agrochem Pharma, established in 1971 and based in Mumbai, India, is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of various chemicals, solvents, and metals. The company maintains a stock of agro fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. It has a readily available inventory of 2,000 products, including agrochemicals, solvents, and APIs. These products are utilized in a range of industries, such as automobile, aerospace, and agriculture. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification and operates as part of the Joshi Group of companies, which is comprised of four companies that are segmented to ensure smooth business in varying domains.
Jigs Chemical was established in 1998 and is based in India with global offices in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Jigs Chemical is a manufacturer, distributor, and marketing & sales provider for organizations in India, specializing in chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical, agriculture, ceramics, metal treatment, and other industries. Jigs Chemical helps facilitate international customers to obtain chemicals from India, providing import and export assistance. Jigs Chemical’s product catalog includes over 40000 active pharmaceutical ingredients, commonly called APIs, their respective intermediates, and other chemicals.
Founded in 1981, Central Drug House Ltd. serves the scientific community via manufacturing and marketing a library of over 9,000 products to laboratory fine chemicals and dehydrated culture media with emphasis on purity and service. Examples are acids & bases, adsorbents, disinfectants, indicator papers, oils, and solvents. CDH provides bio chemicals, research chemicals, laboratory reagents, various solvents, stains & indicators, and dehydrated culture media. CDH is ISO 9001 certified and CDHs’ products are in compliance with specifications of IP, BP, USP, and EP standards.
Vizag Chemical International was founded in Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2011. Vizag Chemical International sells chemical-based products for many sectors including automotive, agriculture, airline, deodorizers, construction chemicals, boat maintenance, degreasers, detergents, drain clean products, greases, personal hygiene, lab chemicals and equipment, fuel treatment, metal treatment, tank cleaners, swimming pool and spa chemicals, scale removers, sewage chemical treatment, as well as raw chemicals. Vizag Chemical International also provides a range of services including chemical inspection, logistics, chemical usage supervision, as well as tank cleaning.
Founded in Mumbai, India in 2006, Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd. is an ISO 9001:2015 & GMP certified chemical manufacturing company and distributor. Otto Chemie serves customers in many industries including agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, cement, as well as educational and R&D industries. Product offerings include antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins, detergents, ionic liquids, materials science compounds, labware, oil, metal & ceramic science compounds and tools, oils, reagents, solvents.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC. |
24.6%
|
2 | Jigs chemical |
12.0%
|
3 | Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd. |
11.5%
|
4 | JOSHI AGROCHEM PHARMA PVT LTD |
9.4%
|
5 | Antera Agro Chem |
8.4%
|
6 | JIGCHEM UNIVERSAL |
6.8%
|
7 | Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd. |
6.8%
|
8 | Huangshi Yucheng Trade Co.,Ltd |
6.3%
|
9 | Central Drug House |
4.7%
|
10 | nacalai |
4.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the nitromethane page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
India | 4 | 44.4% |
Japan | 3 | 33.3% |
China | 2 | 22.2% |