Via condensations like the Henry
reaction, nitroethane converts to several compounds of bartering interest.
Abstract with 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde affords the forerunner to the
antihypertensive biologic methyldopa; abstract with unsubstituted benzaldehyde
yields phenyl-2-nitropropene. Nitroethane condenses with two equivalents of
formaldehyde to give, afterwards hydrogenation,
2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, which in about-face condenses with oleic
acerbic to accord an oxazoline, which protonates to accord a cationic
surfactant.
Like some added nitrated amoebic
compounds, nitroethane is aswell acclimated as a ammunition accretion and a
forerunner to explosives.
Nitroethane is a advantageous
bread-and-butter for polymers such as polystyrene and is decidedly advantageous
for abandoning cyanoacrylate adhesives. In alcove applications, it has been
acclimated as a basic in bogus attach remover and in aerial beam adhesive
sprays.