Nitrocyclohexane


Nitrocyclohexane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H11NO2. It is a colorless liquid, but degraded samples appear pale yellow. It once was produced commercially as a precursor to caprolactam.

Preparation

It is prepared by reaction of nitrogen dioxide with cyclohexane, the so-called Nixian process. Cyclohexane is a convenient substrate because all twelve C-H bonds are equivalent, so mononitration does not give isomers.

Hazards

Nitrocyclohexane is highly flammable and a strong oxidizing agent. It is listed as an extremely hazardous substance by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and the NOAA warns that it can be explosive.