Trinitromethane

It was first obtained in 1857 as the ammonium salt by the Russian chemist Leon Nikolaevich Shishkov [ru] (1830–1908).

There is some evidence that the anion, which obeys the 4n+2 Hückel rule, displays Y-aromaticity, a form of aromaticity disputed among chemists.

The potassium salt of nitroform, KC(NO2)3 is a lemon yellow crystalline solid that decomposes slowly at room temperatures and explodes above 95 °C.

The hydrazine salt, hydrazinium nitroformate is thermally stable to above 125 °C and is being investigated as an ecologically friendly oxidizer for use in solid fuels for rockets.

As found by British chemists Hurd and Starke during WWII, trinitromethane reacts with paraformaldehyde, giving trinitroethanol [zh].

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 4: Readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures. E.g. nitroglycerin Special hazard OX: Oxidizer. E.g. potassium perchlorate