MSDS: NITROMETHANE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 1 CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION MDL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1281 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 300 1-800-424-9300 (NORTH AMERICA) Nashville, TN 37217-2423 1-703-527-3887 (INTERNATIONAL) 1-615-366-2000 SUBSTANCE: NITROMETHANE TRADE NAMES/SYNONYMS: NITROCARBOL; METHANE, NITRO-; NM; STCC 4907030; UN 1261; CH3NO2; OHS16690; RTECS PA9800000 CHEMICAL FAMILY: nitro CREATION DATE: Nov 30 1984 REVISION DATE: Sep 18 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 2 COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS COMPONENT: NITROMETHANE CAS NUMBER: 75-52-5 EC NUMBER (EINECS): 200-876-6 EC INDEX NUMBER: 609-036-00-7 PERCENTAGE: 100.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION NFPA RATINGS (SCALE 0-4): HEALTH=1 FIRE=3 REACTIVITY=4 EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: COLOR: colorless PHYSICAL FORM: liquid ODOR: fruity odor MAJOR HEALTH HAZARDS: central nervous system depression PHYSICAL HAZARDS: May explode if exposed to shock, friction or heating. Flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: INHALATION: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, headache, symptoms of drunkenness, lung congestion, kidney damage, convulsions LONG TERM EXPOSURE: kidney damage, liver damage SKIN CONTACT: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects EYE CONTACT: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: eye damage LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information is available INGESTION: SHORT TERM EXPOSURE: digestive disorders, symptoms of drunkenness LONG TERM EXPOSURE: no information on significant adverse effects CARCINOGEN STATUS: OSHA: No NTP: No IARC: No -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 4 FIRST AID MEASURES INHALATION: If adverse effects occur, remove to uncontaminated area. Give artificial respiration if not breathing. Get immediate medical attention. SKIN CONTACT: Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention, if needed. Thoroughly clean and dry contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse. EYE CONTACT: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Then get immediate medical attention. INGESTION: If a large amount is swallowed, get medical attention. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Severe fire hazard. Moderate explosion hazard. The vapor is heavier than air. Vapors or gases may ignite at distant ignition sources and flash back. Vapor/air mixtures are explosive above flash point. EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: alcohol resistant foam FIRE FIGHTING: Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers with water spray until well after the fire is out. Stay away from the ends of tanks. For fires in cargo or storage area: Cool containers with water from unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles until well after fire is out. If this is impossible then take the following precautions: Keep unnecessary people away, isolate hazard area and deny entry. Let the fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tanks due to fire. For tank, rail car or tank truck: Evacuation radius: 800 meters (1/2 mile). Do not attempt to extinguish fire unless flow of material can be stopped first. Flood with fine water spray. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. Cool containers with water spray until well after the fire is out. Apply water from a protected location or from a safe distance. Avoid inhalation of material or combustion by-products. Stay upwind and keep out of low areas. FLASH POINT: 95 F (35 C) (CC) LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: 7.3% UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: 63% AUTOIGNITION: 784 F (418 C) FLAMMABILITY CLASS (OSHA): IC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES WATER RELEASE: Subject to California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65). Keep out of water supplies and sewers. OCCUPATIONAL RELEASE: Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition. Remove sources of ignition. Stop leak if possible without personal risk. Reduce vapors with water spray. Small spills: Absorb with sand or other non-combustible material. Collect spilled material in appropriate container for disposal. Large spills: Dike for later disposal. Keep unnecessary people away, isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind and keep out of low areas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE STORAGE: Store and handle in accordance with all current regulations and standards. Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a well-ventilated area. Keep separated from incompatible substances. Store outside or in a detached building. Subject to storage regulations: U.S. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106. Grounding and bonding required. Keep separated from incompatible substances. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION EXPOSURE LIMITS: NITROMETHANE: 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) OSHA TWA 20 ppm ACGIH TWA 250 mg/m3 (100 ml/m3) DFG MAK 100 ppm (254 mg/m3) UK OES TWA 150 ppm (381 mg/m3) UK OES STEL MEASUREMENT METHOD: Chromosorb-106 tube; Ethyl acetate; Gas chromatography with flame photometric detection for sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorus; NIOSH IV # 2527 VENTILATION: Provide local exhaust ventilation system. Ventilation equipment should be explosion-resistant if explosive concentrations of material are present. Ensure compliance with applicable exposure limits. EYE PROTECTION: Wear splash resistant safety goggles. Provide an emergency eye wash fountain and quick drench shower in the immediate work area. CLOTHING: Wear appropriate chemical resistant clothing. GLOVES: Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves. RESPIRATOR: The following respirators and maximum use concentrations are drawn from NIOSH and/or OSHA. 750 ppm Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece. Escape - Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus. For Unknown Concentrations or Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health - Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with a separate escape supply. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES PHYSICAL STATE: liquid APPEARANCE: clear COLOR: colorless TEXTURE: viscous, oily ODOR: fruity odor MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 61.04 MOLECULAR FORMULA: C-H3-N-O2 BOILING POINT: 214 F (101 C) FREEZING POINT: -20 F (-29 C) VAPOR PRESSURE: 27.8 mmHg @ 20 C VAPOR DENSITY (air=1): 2.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water=1): 1.1371 WATER SOLUBILITY: 9.5% PH: 6.12 (0.01 M aqueous solution) VOLATILITY: 100.0% ODOR THRESHOLD: 100 ppm EVAPORATION RATE: 1.39 (butyl acetate=1) VISCOSITY: 0.6 cP @ 25 C COEFFICIENT OF WATER/OIL DISTRIBUTION: Not available SOLVENT SOLUBILITY: Soluble: alcohol, ether, acetone, dimethylformamide -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY REACTIVITY: May decompose explosively when heated above 315 C. May explode if exposed to shock, friction or heating. CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Avoid heat, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition. Containers may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. INCOMPATIBILITIES: combustible materials, acids, metal salts, metals, amines, bases, oxidizing materials, halo carbons, metal oxides, reducing agents NITROMETHANE: ACETONE: Explosion hazard. ACIDS: Explosion hazard. ALKYL METAL HALIDE: Ignites. ALUMINUM CHLORIDE + ORGANIC MATTER: Explosion hazard. ALUMINUM POWDER: Explosion hazard. AMINES: Explosion hazard. AMMONIUM SALTS + ORGANIC SOLVENTS: Explosion hazard. BASES: Explosion hazard. BIS(2-AMINOETHYL)AMINE: Explosion hazard. CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE: Delayed, violent reaction. COPPER: Slowly corroded. COPPER ALLOYS: Incompatible. 1,2-DIAMINOETHANE + N,2,4,6-TETRANITRO-N-METHYL ANILINE: Forms explosive mixture. 1,2-DIAMINOMETHANE: Violent reaction. FORMALDEHYDE: Violent reaction. HALOFORMS: Explosion hazard. HEXAMETHYLBENZENE: Violent reaction. HYDRAZINE + METHANOL: Explosion hazard. HYDROCARBONS: Violent reaction. HYDROXIDES: Violent reaction. INORGANIC BASES: Forms explosive salts. LEAD AND LEAD ALLOYS: Incompatible. LITHIUM PERCHLORATE: Violent reaction. METAL OXIDES: Violent reaction. M-METHYL ANILINE: Violent reaction. NICKEL: May decompose. NITRIC ACID: Violent reaction. ORGANIC AMINES: Violent reactions. OXIDIZERS (STRONG): Fire and explosion hazard. SILVER NITRATE (AQUEOUS): Forms explosive silver fulminate. SILVER OXIDE + BORON TRIFLUORIDE ETHERATE: Potential violent explosion. STEEL + COPPER: Slowly corroded. SODIUM HYDRIDE: Violent reaction. URONIUM PERCHLORATE + ORGANIC MATERIALS: Explosion hazard. HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION: Thermal decomposition products: oxides of carbon, nitrogen POLYMERIZATION: Will not polymerize. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION NITROMETHANE: TOXICITY DATA: 940 mg/kg oral-rat LD50; 12750 mg/m3/1 hour(s) inhalation-rat LCLo; 1500 mg/kg intraperitoneal-rat LDLo; 950 mg/kg oral-mouse LD50; 18 gm/m3/2 hour(s) inhalation-mouse LCLo; 110 mg/kg intraperitoneal-mouse LD50; 125 mg/kg oral-dog LDLo; 800 mg/kg intravenous-dog LDLo; 1000 ppm inhalation-monkey LCLo; 750 mg/kg oral-rabbit LDLo; 5000 ppm/6 hour(s) inhalation-rabbit LCLo; >2 gm/kg skin-rabbit LD; 750 mg/kg intravenous-rabbit LDLo; 5000 ppm/3 hour(s) inhalation-guinea pig LCLo; 2275 mg/kg/26 week(s) intermittent oral-rat TDLo; 10500 ul/kg/15 week(s) continuous oral-rat TDLo; 100 ppm/7 hour(s)-2 year(s) intermittent inhalation-rat TCLo; 375 ppm/6 hour(s)-16 day(s) intermittent inhalation-rat TCLo; 1500 ppm/6 hour(s)-13 week(s) intermittent inhalation-rat TCLo; 1500 ppm/6 hour(s)-16 day(s) intermittent inhalation-mouse TCLo; 188 ppm/6 hour(s)-13 week(s) intermittent inhalation-mouse TCLo; 2275 mg/kg/26 week(s) intermittent oral-rabbit TDLo CARCINOGEN STATUS: ACGIH: A3 -Animal Carcinogen A two year inhalation study showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in female rats based on increased incidences of mammary gland fibroadenomas and carcinomas. Male mice had increased incidences of harderian gland adenomas and carcinomas, female mice had increased incidences of liver neoplasms and harderian gland adenomas and carcinomas. No evidence of carcinogenic activity was reported in male rats (NTP TR-461). ACUTE TOXICITY LEVEL: Moderately Toxic: ingestion TARGET ORGANS: central nervous system MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: convulsive disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, respiratory disorders, skin disorders and allergies TUMORIGENIC DATA: 188 ppm inhalation-rat TCLo/6 hour(s)-2 year(s) intermittent; 750 ppm inhalation-mouse TCLo/6 hour(s)-2 year(s) intermittent HEALTH EFFECTS: INHALATION: ACUTE EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Inhalation of 200 ppm may cause irritation of respiratory tract with coughing, difficulty breathing, possibly delayed, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Central nervous system depression may occur with headache, dizziness, and narcosis. Rabbits exposed to 10,000 ppm for 6 hours exhibited delayed symptoms of weakness, ataxia, muscular incoordination, convulsions and death. Autopsy revealed focal necrosis of liver and moderate kidney damage. Lower concentrations produced only mild irritation of the respiratory tract, narcosis and salivation. Anesthesia and pulmonary edema have also been reported in animals. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Animal studies indicate decreased body weight gain, thyroid and blood changes, and pulmonary abnormalities from exposure to 98-745 ppm for 10 days to 6 months. Liver and kidney damage has been reported from repeated administration at levels >1000 ppm. A dose as low as 1000 ppm produced death in one exposed monkey. A two year study in animals produced increased incidences of mammary gland fibroadenomas and carcinomas in female rats; harderian gland adenomas and carcinomas in male and female mice, and liver neoplasms in female mice. Increased incidences of nasal lesions including degeneration and metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium and degeneration of respiratory epithelium were also noted in mice. SKIN CONTACT: ACUTE EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Although some animal studies indicate no irritation, contact may cause drying of the skin with redness and irritation. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Repeated or prolonged contact may cause a low-grade irritation and dermatitis. EYE CONTACT: ACUTE EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Although some animal studies indicate no irritation from contact, vapors have been reported to cause severe irritation at 500 ppm with pain and redness. Corneal injury has also been reported. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: No data available. INGESTION: ACUTE EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal pain, and nausea. Central nervous system depression with both atactic and narcotic changes has been reported. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: NITROMETHANE: Some rats and dogs exposed to 0.1% to 0.25% in drinking water for up to 15 weeks died. Survivors showed slower weight gain. Pathological changes in the liver were found in animals receiving the 0.25% dose. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ECOTOXICITY DATA: FISH TOXICITY: <659200 ug/L 96 hour(s) (Mortality) Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Subject to disposal regulations: U.S. EPA 40 CFR 262. Hazardous Waste Number(s): D001. D003. Dispose in accordance with all applicable regulations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION U.S. DOT 49 CFR 172.101: PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Nitromethane ID NUMBER: UN1261 HAZARD CLASS OR DIVISION: 3 PACKING GROUP: II LABELING REQUIREMENTS: Flammable liquid PACKAGING AUTHORIZATIONS: EXCEPTIONS: 49 CFR 173.150 NON-BULK PACKAGING: 49 CFR 173.202 BULK PACKAGING: None QUANTITY LIMITATIONS: PASSENGER AIRCRAFT OR RAILCAR: Forbidden CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY: 60 L CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS: No classification assigned. LAND TRANSPORT ADR/RID: SUBSTANCE NAME: Nitromethane UN NUMBER: UN1261 ADR/RID CLASS: 3 ITEM NUMBER: 3(b) WARNING SIGN/LABEL: 3 HAZARD ID NUMBER: 33 AIR TRANSPORT IATA/ICAO: PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Nitromethane UN/ID NUMBER: UN1261 IATA/ICAO CLASS: 3 PACKAGING GROUP: II LABEL: Flammable liquid MARITIME TRANSPORT IMDG: CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME: Nitromethane UN/ID NUMBER: UN1261 IMDG CLASS: 3.3 PACKAGING GROUP: II EmS No.: 3-06 MFAG Table No.: 335 IMDG CODE PAGE: 3370 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 15 REGULATORY INFORMATION U.S. REGULATIONS: CERCLA SECTIONS 102a/103 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR 302.4): Not regulated. SARA TITLE III SECTION 302 EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR 355.30): Not regulated. SARA TITLE III SECTION 304 EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR 355.40): Not regulated. SARA TITLE III SARA SECTIONS 311/312 HAZARDOUS CATEGORIES (40 CFR 370.21): ACUTE: Yes CHRONIC: No FIRE: Yes REACTIVE: Yes SUDDEN RELEASE: Yes SARA TITLE III SECTION 313 (40 CFR 372.65): Not regulated. OSHA PROCESS SAFETY (29CFR1910.119): NITROMETHANE: 2500 LBS TQ STATE REGULATIONS: California Proposition 65: Known to the state of California to cause the following: NITROMETHANE Cancer (May 01, 1997) CANADIAN REGULATIONS: WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: Not determined. EUROPEAN REGULATIONS: EC CLASSIFICATION (ASSIGNED): Flammable Xn Harmful EC Classification may be inconsistent with independently-researched data. DANGER/HAZARD SYMBOL: Xn Harmful EC RISK AND SAFETY PHRASES: R 5 Heating may cause an explosion. R 10 Flammable. R 22 Harmful if swallowed. S 2 Keep out of reach of children. S 41 In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes. CONCENTRATION LIMITS: C>=12.5% Xn R 22 GERMAN REGULATIONS: WATER HAZARD CLASS (WGK): STATE OF CLASSIFICATION: VwVwS CLASSIFICATION UNDER HAZARD TO WATER: 2 NATIONAL INVENTORY STATUS: U.S. INVENTORY (TSCA): Listed on inventory. TSCA 12(b) EXPORT NOTIFICATION: Not listed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 16 OTHER INFORMATION MSDS SUMMARY OF CHANGES SECTION 11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION Copyright 1984-2001 MDL Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.