Product Identification

Product Name

1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea

Synonyms

1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea
1-Nitroso-1-methylurea
Methylnitrosourea
Nitrosomethylurea
n-Nitroso-n-Methylcarbamide

CAS

684-93-5

Formula

C2H5N3O2

Molecular Weight

103.08

EINECS

211-678-4

RTECS

YT7875000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector

Beilstein/Gmelin

1756040

Beilstein Reference

4-04-00-03385

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Pale yellow crystals or light yellow moist powder.

Solubility in water

Soluble

Melting Point

124

Boiling Point

314

Density

1.49 g/cm3

Partition Coefficient

-.03

Usage

For laboratory synthesis of diazomethane (former use), for its mutagenic effects on various plants.

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. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY 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

Protect from moisture and light. Store in tightly sealed bottles in the dark under refrigeration below -10 C. Store at working quantities in the working area safety refrigerator, but stocks should be kept below -10 C.

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

Exposure to this compound may cause nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea and leukopenia. It may also cause skin rashes. Eye contact may cause damage to the retina, degeneration of pigment epithelium and destruction of the rods and outer nuclear layer leading to thinning of the whole retina and migration of pigment. Retinal atrophy and cataracts have also been reported. It may cause acetonuria.

Skin

See inhalation.

Eyes

See inhalation

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Dispensers of liquid detergent should be available. In the laboratory, gloves and protective clothing should always be worn but should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, and disposable plastic aprons might provide additional protection. Protective clothing should be of distinctive color, as a reminder not to be worn outside the laboratory.

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).

Poison Class

1*

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used.

Fire Potential

This material is probably combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with 5% acetic acid, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 5% acetic acid to pick up any remaining material. Your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with 5% acetic acid 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

Alkaline hydrolysis gives the explosive gas diazomethane. Storage at room temperature has produced explosions due probably to pressure buildup. Decomposition products may be explosive.

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with strong acids and bases Incompatible with water and nucleophilic reagents.