1501. 1-Methoxyimidazole N-oxide [90052-22-5] C ₄H ₆N ₂O ₂

Flynn, A. P., Chem. Brit., 1984, 20, 30

Attempted removal of water from a 3 g sample of the hydrate by vacuum distillation at 150 180 C/0.027 mbar caused a violent explosion as distillation started. DSC examination showed a large decomposition exotherm at 140 180 C.

See 1-Methoxy-3,4,5-trimethylpyrazole N-oxide

See also 1-Hydroxyimidazole N-oxide

See other N-OXIDES

1502. 2-Cyano-2-propyl nitrate (2-Methyl-2-nitrooxypropanonitrile) (Acetone cyanohydrin nitrate) [40561-27-1] C ₄H ₆N ₂O ₃

Freeman, J. P., Org. Synth. Coll. Vol. 5, 841

It is a moderately explosive material of moderate impact-sensitivity. Use of a safety shield is advised for distillation.

See NITRATING AGENTS

See other ALKYL NITRATES, CYANO COMPOUNDS, N O COMPOUNDS

1504. Dimethyl azoformate (Dimethyl diazenedicarboxylate) [2446-84-6] C ₄H ₆N ₂O ₄

1. US Pat. 3 347 845, 1967

2. Kauer, J. C., Org. Synth., 1962, Coll. Vol. 4, 412

3. Young, J. A., private communication, 1993

4. Diels, O. et al., Berichte, 1913, 46, 2006

It is shock-sensitive [1]. An undergraduate student was preparing a 200 g batch following the Organic Syntheses procedure [2]. The first stage quality is believed to have been poor. The final product exploded during vacuum distillation, costing her the sight of an eye [3]. Since the first man to describe it compared it with guncotton, when heated under slight confinement [4], it might be considered unsuitable for undergraduates. The editor suspects that hydrazoic acid reported...