Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Distillate
Alcohol
solution
with
protector
68%
nitric acid
Wash twice to be
weak basic at RT
by three times
volume of
1~1.5% sodium
carbonate
aqueous solution
to product
Wash to be
neutral at RT by
three times
volume of water
to product
Add
anhydrous
magnesium
sulfate for
drying
Wash twice to be
weak acidic or
neutral by three
times volume of
water to product
Distillation
temperature
Nitration distillation reactor
(a mixture solution of nitric acid
and urea, nitro/protector=10:1)
Feeding at 85~90°C, flow off some
nitration solution and continuously
react if too full in the reactor
Product
Product
Product
Waste
water
Waste
water
Waste
water
Product
Waste
liquid
Waste water tank
Cool down, treat waste acid,
recover protector
Filter off magnesium
sulfate and
rectification, collect
fractions around
boiling point of ±1°C,
drying and storage
Fig. 5.2
The production process of methyl nitrate
Fig. 5.3
IR spectrum of methyl nitrate
5.2.1.4 Toxicity of Methyl Nitrate
Methyl nitrate is a kind of compound with slight toxicity. However, because of the
low viscosity and volatile, methyl nitrates usually poison human respiratory system.
After inhalation of methyl nitrate vapor, the feeling of headache is similar to
nitroglycerine. However, the symptom for methyl nitrate comes and goes faster
than nitroglycerine.
