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Chemical Name: 2-Methylbenzonitrile
Molecular Formula: C8H7N
Synonyms: o-Tolunitrile
Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint, characteristic almond-like smell
Uses: Mostly used as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, research settings, and specialized production lines; rarely encountered outside professional environments
Physical Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor
Health Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; may cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; possible systemic toxicity due to nitrile group which can affect cellular respiration in high doses
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Main Ingredient: 2-Methylbenzonitrile (approx. 99%)
Impurities: Possible traces of other methylbenzonitrile isomers, residual solvents from synthesis
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms develop or do not improve
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for persistent redness or pain
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, do not rub eyes, seek medical help if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, immediately consult a physician or poison control center
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide; avoid heavy water streams as run-off can spread contamination
Specific Hazards: During combustion, forms toxic vapors including hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Precautions: Keep containers cool with water spray, evacuate area and prevent entry of unnecessary personnel
Personal Safety: Use protective gloves, goggles, and lab coat; avoid inhalation and skin contact; evacuate non-essential staff
Spill Cleanup: Absorb liquid with inert material like sand or vermiculite, sweep up, and place in secure chemical waste container
Ventilation: Open windows or use exhaust fan to clear vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil; inform local authorities of significant releases
Safe Handling: Wear protective gear, work in a chemical fume hood, keep away from heat sources and ignition points
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizing agents
Special Considerations: Handle only with trained staff present, avoid eating or drinking in work area, keep storage containers clearly labeled
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood recommended
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators during heavy exposure or spill incidents
Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves and lab coat; avoid direct contact with skin
Hygiene: Always wash hands before breaks and after handling
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Boiling Point: Around 230–232°C
Melting Point: Typically below room temperature
Flash Point: About 105°C
Solubility: Low solubility in water, higher solubility in common organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Odor: Slight, almost almond-like
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, ignition sources, prolonged exposure to light
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, basis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic fumes including hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides released during burning
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Irritation of respiratory passages and eyes, headache, nausea, possible dizziness or weakness at high vapor levels
Acute Effects: Toxicity from ingestion or inhalation can cause cyanide-like poisoning in severe exposure, though practical risk is low with proper precautions
Chronic Effects: Not well studied but prolonged exposure may lead to cumulative adverse health effects; lack of comprehensive longitudinal human data on chronic toxicity
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, especially if released in large quantities; toxicity seen in laboratory studies with certain fish and invertebrates
Persistence: Moderate environmental persistence, may degrade slowly depending on conditions
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to significantly bioaccumulate due to moderate solubility and volatility
Other Concerns: Avoid unnecessary disposal or spill to minimize mink to water systems
Waste Treatment: Collect and dispose of through licensed hazardous waste contractors
Regulated Disposal: Never pour down the drain or throw in normal trash; follow all chemical waste regulations
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers before discarding; treat rinseate as hazardous waste
Shipping Name: 2-Methylbenzonitrile
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, toxic substance
Packing Instructions: Use tightly sealed, chemical-resistant containers, clearly labeled; comply with regulations for hazardous chemicals in transit
Precautions: Prevent movement or breakage of containers during handling and shipment; avoid shipment with incompatible substances
Workplace Safety: Subject to workplace chemical safety standards in many countries, often requiring risk assessment and documentation
Environmental Regulations: Regulation may limit release into waterways and waste streams; local authorities may require notification in event of spill
Labeling: Requires hazard pictograms and clear statements of danger on any packaging for transport or workplace handling; training staff about chemical hazards plays a key role in compliance
Record-keeping: Facilities using this material maintain up-to-date safety documentation and access to data sheets for all workers in relevant areas
