Uses of nitroalkanes

Nitro compounds are named as the nitro derivatives of the parent alkane in both the systems of nomenclature. This is done by adding the prefix nitro to the word root of the parent alkane.

Alkyl nitrites

General formula:

R-O-N=O

Functional group:

-O-N=O

Alkyl nitrites are named by adding the suffix nitrite to the alkyl group. For example

CH₃-O-N=O is Methyl nitrite.

C₂H₅-O-N=O is Ethyl nitrite.