NITROMETHANE (ICSC)

NITROMETHANE	ICSC: 0522

Date of Peer Review: October 1997

Nitrocarbol

CAS #	75-52-5	CH₃NO₂
RTECS #	PA9800000	Molecular mass: 61.04
UN #	1261
EC Annex 1 Index #	609-036-00-7
EC/EINECS #	200-876-6

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers and Notes).	Above 35°C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Do NOT expose to friction or shock.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
Inhalation	Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
Skin	Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	(See Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. (Extra personal protection: A/P2 filter respirator for organic vapour and harmful dust).

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-898
NFPA Code: H1; F3; R3;

Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers and Notes).

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

NITROMETHANE

ICSC: 0522

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. May explode on heating. The substance decomposes on burning producing nitrogen oxides. Reacts with alkalis. Reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong reducing agents causing fire and explosion hazard. Forms shock sensitive mixture with amines.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 20 ppm, 50 mg/mł; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2006).
MAK: skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 3B (DFG 2006).

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in central nervous system depression.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver, resulting in impaired functions.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 101°C
Melting point: -29°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.14
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.7
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1

Flash point: 35°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 417°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7.3-63

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with acids, bases, metal oxides, hydrocarbons and other combustible materials. Combustion in a confined space may turn into detonation. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has been partially updated in August 2007: 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
       Nitromethane  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 77, 2000)