NCIt definition : 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);