Product Identification

Product Name

1,1'-Dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium

Synonyms

4,4'-Bipyridinium, 1,1'-dimethyl-
Dextrone
Esgram
N,N'-Dimethyl-4,4'-Bipyridinium
N,N'-Dimethyl-gamma,gamma'-dipyridylium
Weedol

CAS

4685-14-7

Formula

C12H14N2

Molecular Weight

186.12

EINECS

225-141-7

RTECS

DW1960000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Mutagen; Human Data

Merck

12,7165

Beilstein/Gmelin

3590305

EC Index Number

613-006-00-9

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless solid. Odorless.

Solubility in water

soluble

Boiling Point

169-170 (1.0 torr)

Density

1.24 g/cm3 (20 C) (diC)hloride)

Partition Coefficient

-4.22 at pH 7.4

Usage

Herbicide.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

The possible benefit of early removal of some ingested material by cautious gastric lavage must be weighed against potential complications of bleeding or perforation. Activated charcoal activated charcoal binds most toxic agents and can decrease their systemic absorption if administered soon after ingestion. Activated charcoal: administer charcoal as a slurry (240 ml water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents.

Inhalation

There have been no substantiated cases of paraquat poisoning due to inhalation of fumes. Inhalation of spray mist does occur, but the droplets are usually large and deposit in the upper respiratory tract where they cause local irritant effects.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing. Wash exposed area with soap and water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Launder clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

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

Inhalation

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis associated with dyspnea and pulmonary edema may occur 3 to 14 days following exposure to paraquat. Pulmonary hemorrhage may occur with acute exposure.

Skin

Dermatitis associated with dry and cracking skin may occur following dermal exposure. Nail atrophy may be noted. Paraquat is well absorbed through abraded or injured skin and dermal exposure may result in severe systemic toxicity and death.

Eyes

Protracted opacification of the cornea may result following eye exposure. Paraquat is a mucosal irritant; epistaxis and sore throat may develop after inhalation.

Ingestion

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight-inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent skin contact with paraquat or solutions containing paraquat. Employees should be provided with and required to use dust-and splash-proof safety goggles where paraquat or solutions containing paraquat may contact the eyes.

Respirators

Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator appropriate for exposure of concern.

Exposure Effects

Abnormally low blood pressure may develop after large ingestion. Lethargy, headache and malaise may occur initially. Cerebral edema may occur. Adverse reproductive effects have been observed in humans and experimental animals after ingestion of paraquat.

Exposure limit(s)

IDHL: 1.5 mg/m3

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Respirator selection for

Fire Potential

Non-flammable in aqueous formulations.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Evacuate area and ventilate. Wear protective equipment. If required, use an inert absrobent. Sweep up and place in an appropriate container for disposal. Wash contaminated surfaces.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

No data.

Incompatibilities

Paraquat is incompatible with alkylarylsulfonate wetting agents. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.