Phase transitions and chemical transformations of nitromethane up to 350 °C and 35 GPa

Nitromethane has been studied as a model of the energetic nitro compounds. The phase diagram has been determined by Raman scattering in the pressure and temperature ranges of 0–35 GPa and 20–350 °C, respectively. Three new solid phases of nitromethane called III, IV, V, and their domain of stability have been located. A first chemical transformation is observed by the disappearance of nitromethane Raman modes and by the irreversible formation of a transparent solid called compound I (CI). A second chemical transformation [compound I–compound II (CII)], at higher temperature than the first one, is observed by the sudden darkening of the sample.