What does nitromethane mean?
Nitromethane is a chemical compound with the formula CH3NO2, best known for its use as a high-energy fuel in specialized racing engines and as a propellant in some motors. It is also used in industry as a solvent and as an intermediate in chemical production. Chemically, it is a colorless, polar, highly flammable liquid. Although its name may suggest everyday familiarity because of motorsport, it is not a general-purpose fuel and presents serious toxicity and fire risks. The word combines the prefix nitro-, associated with nitrogen-containing compounds and historically linked to niter, with methane, the simplest saturated hydrocarbon. Understanding nitromethane therefore requires recognizing both its chemical identity and its specialized practical uses.
nounNitromethane is a colorless, polar liquid chemical compound (CH3NO2) used as a solvent, chemical intermediate, and fuel or propellant in specialized motors. It is toxic and highly flammable.
- A toxic, highly flammable chemical compound consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a nitro group, used as a solvent, chemical intermediate, and specialized fuel or propellant.
"The racing team used nitromethane as a fuel to power the highly tuned engine."
"Nitromethane is used as an industrial solvent for selected organic compounds."
"The engine burns a mixture of nitromethane and methanol to produce exceptional power."
Usually used in the singular as the name of a chemical compound; the plural is uncommon and may refer to multiple quantities or formulations.
"The laboratory compared the properties of several nitromethanes from different suppliers."
Nitromethane fuels some of the fastest drag-racing engines, turning a chemical compound into a spectacular source of speed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nitromethane come from?
Nitromethane is formed within modern chemical nomenclature from nitro- and methane. The combining form nitro- comes through French from Greek nitron, meaning niter or native sodium nitrate, while methane is based on methyl and the hydrocarbon suffix -ane. Its specialized use as a chemical fuel became established during the twentieth century, particularly in motorsport.
How nitromethane is actually used
The term is normally used in technical, chemical, industrial, and motorsport contexts. It can refer either to the chemical compound itself or to its use as a fuel, and its hazards make it unsuitable for most general or amateur applications.