Preparation and Uses of 2-Nitropropane

2-Nitropropane is used primarily as a solvent.  Severe liver damage, as well as some kidney damage, has been observed in workers poisoned from acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to 2-nitropropane.  Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to 2-nitropropane has caused nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and pulmonary irritation in workers.  Liver effects have been observed in animals chronically exposed to 2-nitropropane by inhalation.

Preparation

2-Nitropropane is produced by the high-temperature vapor-phase nitration of propane, usually with impurities of 1-nitropropane. 2-Nitropropane is also produced as a volatile by-product that can be captured during Leonard's ring-closure hydantoin preparation.

Uses

2-Nitropropane is used as a solvent or additive in inks, paints, adhesives, varnishes, polymers, resins, fuel, and coatings.It is also used as a feedstock for other industrial chemicals,and also in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as phentermine, chlorphentermine, and teclozan. It serves as an oxidant in the Hass–Bender oxidation process.

Safety

2-Nitropropane is a constituent of tobacco smoke.Based on studies in animals, it is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen and it is listed as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen.

Sources and Potential Exposure 

Occupational exposure to 2-nitropropane may occur in many industries including industrial construction and maintenance, printing, highway maintenance (traffic markings), shipbuilding and maintenance (marine coatings), and furniture and plastic products. 2-Nitropropane has been detected in tobacco smoke.