It is a colorless liquid, an isomer of 2-nitropropane (2-NP), and classified as a nitro compound.
1-nitropropane is produced industrially by the reaction of propane and nitric acid.
1-nitropropane is also a byproduct of the process for making 2-nitropropane, which is done by vapour phase nitration of propane.
The vapours are irritating for the lungs and eyes and the maximum exposure rate is 25 ppm.
It also reacts violently with oxidizing agents and strong bases.