(104av) Decomposition of Nitro Compounds: An Analysis of the Chemical Reactivity Hazards and Potential Consequences

Decomposition Reaction for a Nitro Compound: An Analysis of the Chemical Reactivity Hazards and Potential Consequences

 ...   M. Herce, S. Dharmavaram and R.W.Trebilcock, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

 Nitro compounds made from nitration of organic molecules are highly reactive chemicals used for producing a variety of commercial products throughout the world.  However, the potential for over-nitration and the inadvertent or unexpected decomposition can lead to very high chemical reactivity hazards with dangerous consequences.  Such reactions are exothermic leading to generation of heat that can accelerate the reaction causing a rapid temperature and pressure increase in a vessel.   Ortho-nitrochlorobenzene is an example of a nitrocompound that can be used to illustrate the nature of the hazard.  A detailed chemical reactivity hazard assessment should include the estimation and/or measurement of several parameters such as the heat of reaction, adiabatic temperature rise, maximum self-heat rate, and exotherm onset temperature.  Once a hazards assessment is completed, for a specific situation or a system, then the consequences of a catastrophic event can be analyzed to illustrate the potential impact, which in turn can drive good risk reduction decisions.  This paper will present an assessment of chemical reactivity hazards for the decomposition reaction, and the consequences of an explosion and potential loss of containment.