METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE (ICSC)

METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE	ICSC: 0298

Date of Peer Review: March 1999

Diphenylmethane-4.4'-diisocyanate
bis(1,4-Isocyanatophenyl)methane
MDI
4,4'-Methylenediphenyldiisocyanate

CAS #	101-68-8	C₁₅H₁₀N₂O₂ / OCNC₆H₄CH₂C₆H₄NCO
RTECS #	NQ9350000	Molecular mass: 250.3
UN #
EC Annex 1 Index #	615-005-00-9
EC/EINECS #	202-966-0

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Pain.	Safety goggles or face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Note: C
EU Classification
Symbol: Xn
R: 20-36/37/38-42/43
S: (1/2-)23-36/37-45

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Separated from food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Keep in the dark.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE

ICSC: 0298

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE TO PALE YELLOW CRYSTALS OR FLAKES.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize under the influence of temperatures above 204°C. On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive fumes including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492). Reacts readily with water to form insoluble polyureas. Reacts violently with acids, alcohols, amines, bases and oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.005 ppm as TWA; (skin); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 0.05 mg/mł; Peak limitation category: I(1); skin absorption (H); sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (Sah); Carcinogen category: 4; Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2009).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Tear drawing. The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the lungs , resulting in impaired functions.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma (see Notes).

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point at 100 kPa: 314°C
Melting point: 37°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
Solubility in water: reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: negligible
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 8.6

Flash point: 196°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 240°C

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance. MDI may sensitize workers so that they react to other isocyanates (asthma). Do NOT take working clothes home. Caradate 30, Desmodur 44, Hylene M 150, Isonate, Nacconate 300, NCI-C50668, Rubinate 44 are trade names. Card has been partially updated in April 2010: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2005

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations