Product Identification

Product Name

Methylene Blue

Synonyms

3,7-bis(Dimethylamino)phenazathionium chloride
Basic blue 9
Calcozine blue zf
Chromosmon
Hidaco methylene blue salt free
Leather pure blue hb

CAS

61-73-4

Formula

C16H18ClN3S

Molecular Weight

319.86

EINECS

200-515-2

RTECS

SO5600000

RTECS Class

Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data

Merck

12,6137

Beilstein/Gmelin

3599847

Beilstein Reference

4-27-00-05152

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Dark green crystals or powder /Zinc free dye/. Slight odor.

Solubility in water

43,600 mg/L at 25 C

Density

1.757 g/cm3 (22 C)

pKa/pKb

3.8 (pKa)

Usage

Stain in bacteriology, reagent for several chemicals, in mixed indicators, as oxidation-reduction indicator, antimethemoglobinemic.

Vapor Density

13

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.

Skin

Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not expose to air. Store protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Store protected from light. Handle under an inert atmosphere. Store protected from air. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea, and death. Can produce delayed pulmonary edema.

Skin

Causes skin irritation.

Eyes

Causes eye irritation. May cause chemical conjunctivitis.

Ingestion

May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause hemolytic anemia. May be harmful if swallowed.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Effects may be delayed. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Repeated contact may cause corneal damage. May cause reproductive effects.

Poison Class

3

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

190

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. This material in sufficient quantity and reduced particle size is capable of creating a dust explosion. Extinguishing media: Use extinguishing media most appropriate for the surrounding fire. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation. Place under an inert atmosphere.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Bases, reducing agents, air, dichromates, alkali iodides, oxidizing agents, caustic alkalis.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Decomposition

Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides (SOx), including sulfur oxide and sulfur dioxide.