Product Identification

Product Name

1,4-Dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene

Synonyms

1,4-Dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene
2-Nitro-1,4-dimethylbenzene
2-Nitro-p-xylene
Benzene, 1,4-dimethyl-2-nitro

CAS

89-58-7

Formula

C8H9NO2

Molecular Weight

151.18

EINECS

201-920-7

RTECS

ZE4686600

RTECS Class

Mutagen

Beilstein/Gmelin

2045106

Beilstein Reference

4-05-00-00971

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Clear pale yellow to amber liquid.

Solubility in water

<0.1 g/100 mL

Melting Point

-25

Boiling Point

240

Density

1.132 g/cm3 (20 C)

Refractive Index

1.5413 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. 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. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician.

Inhalation

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. 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 containers tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry area away from incompatible substances.

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

Inhalation

Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.

Skin

Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact.

Eyes

See Skin.

Ingestion

May be fatal if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. Methemoglobinemia is characterized by dizziness, drowsiness, headache, breath shortness, cyanosis with bluish skin, rapid heart rate and chocolate-brown colored blood. This product contains nitrite which may cause methemoglobinemia.

Hazards

Containers may explode when heated.

UN (DOT)

1665

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear skin protection and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Respirators

Wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter.

Exposure Effects

The toxological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

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

Fire Potential

This compound is probably combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 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

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases.

Stability

Reactive at high temperature or pressure.

Decomposition

Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1665

Hazard Class

6.1

Packing Group

II