Chemical name: 2-Methoxyaniline
Common names: o-Anisidine, ortho-Anisidine
CAS number: 90-04-0
Physical state: Yellow to brown liquid or solid at room temperature
Odor: Aromatic, somewhat sweet
Main uses: Dye manufacturing, pigments, chemical synthesis
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether
Acute toxicity: Poisonous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin
Health risks: Suspected carcinogen, risk of damage to blood (methemoglobinemia), affects the respiratory and central nervous system
Skin contact: Causes irritation, may be absorbed and cause systemic poisoning
Eye contact: Risk of severe irritation or damage
Chronic effects: Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney injury, blood disorders, possible cancer with repeated contact
Environmental impact: Toxic to aquatic life, not easily broken down
Flammability: Not highly flammable but can burn and produce toxic fumes
Main component: 2-Methoxyaniline, typically well over 95% purity in most samples
Impurities: Trace levels of related aniline derivatives or process contaminants may be present depending on source
Other additives: Usually none in pure chemicals, some commercial samples may include stabilizers or inhibitors
Inhalation: Move to fresh air as fast as possible, seek medical attention right away if dizzy, short of breath, or unconscious
Skin contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, medical attention for any redness, swelling, or systemic symptoms
Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of clean water, keep eyelids open, go to a doctor as soon as irritation or pain persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical help, watch for symptoms like blue lips, shortness of breath, confusion
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical for small fires; avoid direct streams on burning liquid to prevent spread
Fire hazards: Gives off toxic and sometimes corrosive fumes, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
PPE for responders: Firefighters should wear full protective gear, including breathing apparatus
Special instructions: Remove people from danger zone, keep containers cool with water spray to prevent rupture
Precautions: Always evacuate unprotected people, use gloves, goggles, and, in closed spaces, respiratory protection
Clean-up: Scoop up spills with inert absorbent (sand, earth), transfer to labeled containers for safe disposal
Containment: Prevent chemical from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Ventilation: Ensure area is well ventilated during any clean-up, avoid breathing fumes or dust
Safe handling: Always use with gloves, goggles, and suitable ventilation, never eat, smoke, or drink in work areas
Workplace hygiene: Wash hands after handling, remove PPE outside the storage area
Storage conditions: Keep containers tightly closed, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from strong acids, oxidizers, and sunlight
Labeling: Storage areas and containers need to be clearly labeled with hazard warnings
Ventilation: Use chemical fume hoods or exhaust fans in workplaces
Personal protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), safety goggles, face shield, lab coat, sometimes respirators
Exposure limits: Some countries set low workplace air limits (0.1 to 1 ppm is common)
Monitoring: Air and surface monitoring may help spot leaks or contamination
Appearance: Light yellow to brownish liquid or solid
Odor: Aromatic, sweetish
Molecular weight: 123.16 g/mol
Melting point: Around 5°C (can freeze in cool labs or warehouses)
Boiling point: Nearly 243°C
Vapor pressure: Low at room temperature
Flash point: Above 100°C, risk lower in hot environments
Density: About 1.09 g/cm³
Chemical stability: Stable under normal handling, storage, and processing
Conditions to avoid: Heat, open flames, strong oxidizers, acids
Reaction hazards: Contact with acids or strong oxidizers can trigger dangerous exothermic reactions, making fumes or fire risk
Decomposition: Fires release highly toxic gases, mainly nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
Short-term symptoms: Drowsiness, headache, nausea, respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish lips or skin)
Long-term risks: Liver, kidney, and blood problems, suspected link to bladder cancer among dye workers
Absorption routes: Skin, lungs, mouth
Carcinogenic potential: IARC lists o-anisidine as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on animal studies and worker data
Other effects: Methemoglobinemia (reduces ability of blood to carry oxygen), neurological symptoms at higher exposures
Environmental persistence: Not easily broken down, sticks around in soil and water for months
Bioaccumulation: Can build up in aquatic life, presenting long-term food chain risks
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful at low concentrations for fish and insects; leaks into water sources can have lasting effects
Degradation: Sunlight and soil bacteria eventually break it down, but the process moves slowly
Preferred method: Incinerate in a licensed facility equipped to handle hazardous waste
Other methods: Chemical destruction under professional supervision, deep well injection (as last resort under strict controls)
Waste classification: Treat as hazardous waste due to toxicity and persistence
Container disposal: Do not reuse; triple rinse and label before disposal
Shipping category: Generally moves as a toxic or environmentally hazardous substance under international regulations
Packaging: Use chemical-resistant, clearly labeled drums or jerricans
Precautions: Protect containers from bumps or leaks, keep well secured
Accident protocols: Emergency numbers and spill kits needed during any shipment
Occupational laws: Subject to strict workplace exposure limits and reporting
Chemical restrictions: Included on many hazardous substances lists, often regulated for import/export
Environmental protections: Releases must be reported in most countries; use and waste generation is heavily monitored
Public health notes: Authorities advise against public use in consumer products due to health risks