Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid
tetranitromethane
tet·ra·ni·tro·meth·ane
Subclass of:
Nitroparaffins;
Methane
Definitions related to tetranitromethane:
-
A synthetic, oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and ether. Tetranitromethane is used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants and explosives as well as an additive to increase the cetane number of diesel fuel. In science, it is used as both an analytical reagent for the detection of double bonds in organic compounds and as a mild nitrating reagent that reacts with tyrosine residues in proteins. The primary route of potential human exposure to tetranitromethane is inhalation. Acute inhalation exposure to tetranitromethane can result in irritation of the respiratory tract, buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and interference with the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (methemoglobinemia). Contact with this compound can cause irritation of the eyes and skin. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Corrosive oxidant, explosive; additive to diesel and rocket fuels; causes skin and lung irritation; proposed war gas. A useful reagent for studying the modification of specific amino acids, particularly tyrosine residues in proteins. Has also been used for studying carbanion formation and for detecting the presence of double bonds in organic compounds.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> T
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.