A type of organic compound of general formula CnH2n+1NO2 the nitroalkanes are colourless, pleasant-smelling liquids made by treating a haloalkane with silver nitrate. They can be reduced to amines by the action of tin and hydrochloric acid. Lower nitroalkanes such as nitromethane (CH3NO2, b.p. 100°C) are used as high-performance fuels (for internal combustion engines and rockets), as chemical intermediates, and as polar solvents.