2-Ethylhexyl nitrate was studied for thermal decompn. up to 350 degrees C by adiabatic calorimetry in pure form, in n-decane soln. and in a corn. product used for increasing cetane no. of gas oil to det. the reaction kinetics. The activation energy of the reaction was 190 kJ/mol and the frequency factor 3.4.10(16) s(-1). The self-accelerating decompn. temp. of corn. product in the 10(3) kg package was 75 degrees C (the recommended limit 55 degrees C).