Abstract: A process for the preparation of nitric acid esters of organic hydroxy compounds by reacting an organic hydroxy compound with nitric acid in the presence of both sulphuric acid and in a solvent, followed by separating off the spent acid, substantially neutralizing the residual acidity of the organic solution, and removing solvent to leave the organic nitrate. From 95% to 220% of the stoichiometric requirement of nitric acid for complete nitration is used. The mole ratio of water to sulphuric acid at the end of the reaction is from 0.2:1 to 2.5:1. From 200 to 2000 ml of solvent per mole of hydroxy group is present. Yields of at least 92% are obtained. The invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of alkyl nitrates, alkylene or polyalkylene glycol, monoalkyl ether mononitrates, alkylene or polyalkylene glycol dinitrates, diol nitrates, nitrates containing homocyclic or heterocyclic rings, or nitrates derived from polyols.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel comprising a mixture of (A) at least one alcohol with an average molecular weight of less than 160, and (B) at least one further organic compound which has a spontaneous ignition temperature of less than 450.degree. C. The further organic compound is(1) a compound which contains one or more oxygen atoms but no nitrogen atoms, with the proviso that, (1.1) the compound is not a dialkoxy compound of formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 indicate hydrogen or straight-chain or branched alkyl radicals with up to 4 C-atoms, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel comprising a mixture of (A) at least one alcohol with an average molecular weight of less than 160, and (B) at least one further organic compound which has a spontaneous ignition temperature of less than 450.degree. C. The further organic compound is selected from(i) compounds which contain one nitrate group and at least two ether linkages, and(ii) compounds which contain two nitrate groups and at least one ether linkage.