Explosion during the Synthesis of Dinitrosodimethyloxamide

✍ Scribed by Dipl.-Chem. R. Preußmann

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1963
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 138 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0044-8249
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.196304811

✦ Synopsis

Breisgau (Germany)

H. Reimlinger [l] described N,N'-dinitroso-N,N'-dimethyloxamide as a stable compound particularly suitable as a starting material for the preparation of dbdzomethane. In one of several runs for preparing the substance, the carbon tetrachloride used as solvent while introducing the nitroso groups was distilled off n o t in vucno but at normal pressure on a hot water bath in a hood. Towards the end of the distillation, an extremely violent explosion occurred. The distillation apparatus was completely shattered, and the hood was badly damaged. Two bystanders received cuts on the face and injuries to hearing as a result of the blast.

Accordingly, in dealing with dinitrosodimethyloxamide, maintenance of as low reaction temperatures as possible should be strictly observed. Reference has been made to the strongly carcinogenic properties of a number of nitrosoacylalkylamines [21.