A synthetic, oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and ether. Tetranitromethane is used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants and explosives as well as an additive to increase the cetane number of diesel fuel. In science, it is used as both an analytical reagent for the detection of double bonds in organic compounds and as a mild nitrating reagent that reacts with tyrosine residues in proteins. The primary route of potential human exposure to tetranitromethane is inhalation. Acute inhalation exposure to tetranitromethane can result in irritation of the respiratory tract, buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and interference with the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (methemoglobinemia). Contact with this compound can cause irritation of the eyes and skin. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

Corrosive oxidant, explosive; additive to diesel and rocket fuels; causes skin and lung irritation; proposed war gas. A useful reagent for studying the modification of specific amino acids, particularly tyrosine residues in proteins. Has also been used for studying carbanion formation and for detecting the presence of double bonds in organic compounds.