MeNO2 Al ratios

Vibrata_Lumine · Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:11 pm

HOw Much AL is needed to reduce 4 moles of MeNO2 to MeAM. Is it one mole for each O or what. I have never been clear on the mechanism

bio · Working Bee

This is plagarized from abacus who I see may have shown up!

There are two reaction equations that explain the al/hg using nitromethane as follows:

Hydroxide Mechanism
2 Al + 6 H2O > 2 Al(OH)3 + 6 H
6 H + CH3NO2 > CH3NH2 + 2 H2O

2 Al + 4 H2O + CH3NO2 > CH3NH2 + 2 Al(OH)3

Which means 4 moles of water and 2 moles aluminium are needed with every mole nitromethane for that to be converted to methylamine. This reaction occurs when sufficient water is present and is very exothermic.

Oxide Mechanism

2 Al + 3 H2O > Al2O3 + 6 H
6 H + CH3NO2 > CH3NH2 + 2 H2O

2 Al + H2O + CH3N02 > CH3NH2 + Al2O3

Which means only 1 mole of water is required for every mole nitromethane to produce the methylamine.

My experimental observations seem to confirm both equations seem to work depending on how much water is in the reaction.