For model systems with known kinetics of elementary reactions (CH 3 NO 2 and HN 3 ), temperature ranges are established in which the rate-controlling reactions are the initial endothermic decomposition of the starting material or the subsequent secondary reactions. Heat release in reactions of NO 2 , NO, and N 2 O with various fuels, such as CH 2 O, CO, H 2 , and HCN, is modeled to establish the kinetic parameters and nature of the rate-controlling reactions in gas flames of nitro compounds. It is shown that the activation energy of the heat-release reaction due to the interaction of NO 2 with a hydrocarbon fuel (which is characteristic of the first flame of nitro compounds) is in the range of 29-33 kcal/mole, depending on the type of fuel. According to the calculations performed, the activation energy of the rate-controlling heat-releasing process due to the deoxidation of NO and N 2 O (which is typical of the second flame of nitro compounds) is 43-58 kcal/mole. In the range of high pressures, where the flames merge, the kinetic parameters of heat release are determined by the reactions of the most reactive nitrogen oxide NO 2 .