Nitro-benzol — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Nitro-benzol, $C_6H_5NO_2$ , is a yellow, oily fluid, of sp. gr. 1.2, which may be distilled without decomposition, and boils at $415^\circ$ ( $213^\circ$ C.). It has a sweet taste, is insoluble in water, but dissolves freely in alcohol and ether. Its odour is very similar to that of oil of bitter almonds, which has led to its use in perfumery under the name of Essence of Mirbane. It is obtained by treating benzol, $C_6H_6$ , with warm fuming nitric acid, when one atom of hydrogen is replaced by the group of atoms $NO_2$ , so that the benzol, $C_6H_5H$ , becomes converted into nitro-benzol, $C_6H_5NO_2$ . The vapour of nitro-benzol when inhaled produces, after from 6 to 12 hours, coma and sometimes death. The fact that its action is so long delayed seems to indicate that its poisonous action is due to some product of its decomposition rather than to itself. In cases of poisoning artificial respiration and powerful stimulants should be resorted to.