Nitromethane is a liquid explosive. It has been extensively studied as an example of a homogeneous condensed phase explosive. Moreover, small particles can be added to obtain a well characterized heterogeneous explosive for experimental studies of shock initiation due to hot spots. Corresponding mesoscale simulations of hot-spot initiation require a model with a good chemical reaction rate and an equation of state with good thermal properties. Here we describe such a model for nitromethane. Detonation wave properties of the model are compared with experimental data. In addition, we discuss issues with the accuracy to which the CJ pressure can be inferred from the available data and the stability of an under-driven or CJ detonation wave in pure nitromethane. (C) 2011 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.