Nitro Compound
Definition
A molecule containing one or more -NO2 (nitro) groups covalently bonded to carbon. TNT is an aromatic nitro compound; PETN is a nitrate ester (O-NO2 ester linkage). The distinction affects hydrolysis susceptibility and the analytical fragmentation pattern in mass spectrometry.
- Functional group
- -NO2 bonded directly to carbon
- Example
- TNT, an aromatic nitro compound
- Contrast
- PETN is a nitrate ester, O-NO2, not a nitro compound
- Analytical relevance
- Affects hydrolysis rate and MS fragmentation pattern
Common questions
Why does the nitro compound versus nitrate ester distinction matter forensically?+
Nitrate esters like PETN hydrolyse more readily than aromatic nitro compounds like TNT, which affects how residues degrade at a scene and how each analyte fragments in mass spectrometry, so an examiner must know the class before selecting a confirmatory method.
Is RDX classed as a nitro compound?+
RDX is a nitramine, a related but chemically distinct class where the nitro groups attach to ring nitrogen rather than carbon. It is often discussed alongside nitro compounds but is not one in the strict sense.
Related terms
- Critical Diameter
- The minimum charge diameter below which a detonation wave cannot sustain itself, because energy losses to the sides of the charge exceed...
- Detonating Cord
- A cord with a PETN explosive core (5-40 g/m) that detonates at approximately 6,400 m/s when initiated. Used to connect multiple charges...
- DNT Isomers (2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT)
- Dinitrotoluene intermediates and impurities present in manufactured TNT. Their molar ratio in post-blast debris or intact samples provides a manufacturing signature that...
- HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)
- A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as...
- Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
- A field-deployable analytical technique that separates ions by their mobility in an electric field at atmospheric pressure. Used for trace explosive detection...
- Nitramine
- A cyclic explosive in which the nitro groups are attached to nitrogen atoms within the ring (N-NO2), as in RDX and HMX....
- Organic Peroxide Explosive
- An explosive in which the energetic groups are peroxide linkages (-O-O-) rather than nitro groups. TATP and HMTD are the forensically significant...
- Oxygen Balance
- A percentage expressing the surplus or deficit of oxygen in an explosive molecule relative to stoichiometric complete oxidation of carbon to CO2...
- Sublimation (TATP Context)
- The transition of a solid directly to vapour without passing through a liquid phase. TATP sublimes at room temperature (vapour pressure ~6.9...