DINITROTOLUENE Property

Melting point:

70°C

Boiling point:

320.51°C (rough estimate)

Density 

1.3210

refractive index 

1.4790 (estimate)

form 

Yellow crystals

CAS DataBase Reference

25321-14-6

EPA Substance Registry System

Dinitrotoluene (25321-14-6)

Safety

RIDADR 

2038

OEB

B

OEL

TWA: 1.5 mg/m3 [skin]

HazardClass 

6.1(a)

PackingGroup 

II

Hazardous Substances Data

25321-14-6(Hazardous Substances Data)

IDLA

50 mg/m3

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H301Toxic if swalloed

H311Toxic in contact with skin

H331Toxic if inhaled

H341Suspected of causing genetic defects

H350May cause cancer

H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary statements

P201Obtain special instructions before use.

P202Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.

P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

P264Wash skin thouroughly after handling.

P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

P273Avoid release to the environment.

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

P281Use personal protective equipment as required.

P301+P310IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P302+P352IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water.

P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

P308+P313IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.

P311Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P312Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.

P314Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.

P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).

P322Specific measures (see …on this label).

P330Rinse mouth.

P361Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.

P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

P391Collect spillage. Hazardous to the aquatic environment

P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

P405Store locked up.

P501Dispose of contents/container to..…

DINITROTOLUENE Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Description

Six isomers of DNT exist, the most importantbeing 2,4-dinitrotoluene, an orange-yellow crystalline solid.Commercial grades of DNT typically consist of a mixtureof all 6 isomers, but mainly 2,4-DNT (7578%) and 2,6-DNT (1922%). Molecular weight, all isomers 5 182.15;Boiling point = 300℃; Freezing/Melting point = 70℃;Flash point = 207℃. Hazard Identification (based onNFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1(must be preheated to burn), Reactivity 3 (heat or shockmay cause detonation). Insoluble in water

Uses

In the production of toluene diisocyanate, which is, in turn, used to produce polyurethane foams; explosives; dyes

General Description

A yellow crystalline solid or an oily liquid consisting of the three isomers. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Toxic by skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

DINITROTOLUENE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, caustics, active metals, tin and zinc . Decomposes at 250°C. Prolonged heating below this temperature causes some decomposition, and the presence of impurities may decrease the decomposition temperatures. Decomposition is self-sustaining at 280°C. Containers may explode in a fire [USCG, 1999]. Reacts with oxidizing agents, caustics, nitric acid, reducing materials and metals such as zinc or tin. May react violently in the presence of a base or when heated to the boiling point. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubbers and coatings. .

Health Hazard

Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic and teratogenic data. A poison. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Flammable. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also 2,4-DINITROTOLUENE

Potential Exposure

Compound Description (mixture ofisomers, 25321-14-6): Tumorigen, Mutagen; ReproductiveEffector; (602-01-7) Tumorigen, Drug, Mutagen, PrimaryIrritant; (121-14-2) Tumorigen, Mutagen; ReproductiveEffector; Primary Irritant; (606-20-2) Tumorigen, Mutagen,Primary Irritant; (610-39-9) Mutagen, Primary Irritant.DNT is used in the preparation of polyurethane foams andmanufacture of toluene diisocyanate for the production ofpolyurethane plastics; in the production of military andcommercial explosives; to plasticize cellulose nitrate inexplosives, to moderate the burning rate of propellants andexplosives; in the manufacture of gelatin explosives; as awater-proofing coating for smokeless powders; as an intermediate in TNT manufacture; and in the manufacture ofazo dye intermediate

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Theformation of methemoglobin may be delayed; medicalobservation is recommended.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia.Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination of levels of methemoglobinemia in urine.

Carcinogenicity

The DNTs appear to cause mutations in Salmonella typhimurium assays after metabolic activation.12 In vivo 2,4-DNT causes unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes and chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes; both 2,4- and 2,6-DNT have induced DNA adducts in rat liver.
All six isomers have been found to be nonirritating in the eye of rabbits. Applied to the skin of rabbits, 2,4-, 2,6-, and 3,5-DNT were nonirritating whereas 2,3-, 3,4-, and 2,5-DNT were mildly to moderately irritating.1 The 2003 ACGIH threshold limit valuetime- weighted average (TLV-TWA) for dinitrotoluene is 0.2mg/m3 (0.03ppm) with an A3-confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans designation and a notation for skin absorption.

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with dinitrotoluenes you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene must be stored to avoid contactwith strong oxidizers, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide,bromine, nitrates, and permanganates; caustics, such assodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; and chemicallyactive metals, such as tin or zinc, since violent reactionsoccur. Contact with strong oxidizers can cause fire or explosions. Also, striking it or dropping it may cause detonationand explosion. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from heat (temperatures above250℃). Sources of ignition, such as smoking and openflames, are prohibited where 2,4-dinitrotoluene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fireor explosion hazard. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of2,4-dinitrotoluene. Wherever 2,4-dinitrotoluene is used,handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. A regulated, marked areashould be established where this chemical is handled, used,or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.

Shipping

Dinitrotoluenes, solid or molten, require a shipping label of “POISONOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS.” Theyfall in DOT Hazard Class 6.1 and Packing Group II.

Incompatibilities

A strong oxidizer and explosive. Dustforms explosive mixture with air. Heat forms corrosivenitrogen oxide fumes and may cause explosion.Commercial grades will decompose at 250℃/482°F, withself-sustaining decomposition at 280℃/536°F. Contact withother strong oxidizers, caustics, and reducing agents maycause fire and explosions. Contact with nitric acid forms anexplosive material. Contact with sodium oxide causes ignition. Not compatible with chemically active metals, such astin and zinc.