Product Identification

Product Name

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea

Synonyms

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea
BCNU
Carmustine
Gliadel
Nitrumon
NSC 409962

CAS

154-93-8

Formula

C5H9Cl2N3O2

Molecular Weight

214.05

EINECS

205-838-2

RTECS

YS2625000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data

Merck

12,1894

Beilstein/Gmelin

2049744

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Orange-yellow solid.

Solubility in water

Slightly soluble

Melting Point

30-32

Boiling Point

404

pKa/pKb

10.19 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

1.11

Usage

A mustard gas-related -chloro-nitrosourea compound used as an alkylating agent in chemotherapy. It is used in the treatment of several types of brain cancer (including glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma and astrocytoma), multiple myeloma and lymphoma (hodgkin's and non-hodgkin). .

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. MMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

Inhalation

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used.

Skin

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eyes

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Ingestion

See inhalation.

Inhalation

Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include bone-marrow suppression; delayed onset of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia; cytotoxic effects on the liver, kidneys and central nervous system; nausea; vomiting; flushing of the skin; esophagitis; diarrhea; dyspnea and hepatotoxicity.

Skin

See inhalation.

Eyes

See inhalation

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Chemical splash goggles in compliance with OSHA regulations are advised; however, OSHA regulations also permit other type safety glasses. Whre chemical resistant gloves. To prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact, wear impervious clothing and boots.

Respirators

Wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter).

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher.

Fire Potential

This material is probably combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 60-70% ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

No data.