(NO) is one of the major emission products along with CO and HO. Nitric oxide contributes to air pollution, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. Recent (2020) studies suggest the correct stoichiometric equation for the burning of nitromethane is:
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The amount of air required to burn 1 kg of gasoline is 14.7 kg, but only 1.7 kg of air is required for 1 kg of nitromethane. Since an engine's cylinder can only contain a limited amount of air on each stroke, 8.6 times as much nitromethane as gasoline can be burned in one stroke.