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Name: 2-Nitrotoluene
Chemical Formula: C7H7NO2
Synonyms: o-Nitrotoluene
Physical State: Pale yellow oily liquid, aromatic odor
CAS Number: 88-72-2
Hazard Classes: Flammable liquid, toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact
Key Risks: Can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; may produce symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, methemoglobinemia, cyanosis
Chronic Effects: Possible effects on liver, kidneys, central nervous system
Environment: Toxic to aquatic life, can persist in water and soil
Fire Risk: Gives off toxic fumes if combusted, including nitrogen oxides
Main Component: 2-Nitrotoluene, greater than 99% concentration
Impurities: Trace amounts of related nitrotoluene isomers, possibly unreacted toluene
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, watch for irregular breathing, seek medical help immediately if breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, get medical attention if irritation or symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes in clean water for several minutes, keep eyelids open, see a healthcare provider if irritation or vision changes occur
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, get medical assistance as soon as possible, monitor for signs of toxicity such as blue lips or confusion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide—avoid using water jets which may spread the liquid
Special Hazards: Fire or heat can break down 2-nitrotoluene into toxic gases including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and toluene
Firefighter Protection: Full gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, should be used; stay upwind to avoid vapors
Combustion Warning: Liquid vapors can travel and ignite at a distance from the original spill or leak
Personal Protection: Put on gloves, protective goggles, and chemical-proof clothing before approaching the spill
Containment: Limit access to area; ventilate; use inert absorbent like sand or vermiculite to soak up liquid
Cleanup: Shovel absorbed material into a clearly labeled chemical-waste drum; clean residue with suitable solvent, avoid flushing into drains
Environmental Steps: Stop further leakage, prevent entry into waterways, notify authorities in case of significant release
Handling: Use in chemical fume hoods, avoid inhaling vapors, don’t allow smoking, keep away from heat or open flames
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in a cool and well-ventilated area, and separate from strong oxidizers or acids
Practice: Regularly check for leaks or container damage, label storage containers with clear hazard information, limit time working in confined areas with poor ventilation
Engineering Controls: Fume hood required, general room exhaust, explosion-proof electrical fittings in storage and handling areas
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirators when vapor levels threaten to rise, especially in closed spaces
Skin Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or neoprene, arm sleeves if risk of splash
Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles with side shields, full-face shield for higher exposure levels
Work Practice: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; never reuse contaminated protective gear without thorough cleaning
Appearance: Light to medium yellow liquid
Boiling Point: Around 222 °C
Melting Point: Approximately −9 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; mixes well in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Relatively low at room temperature, but builds up in closed containers
Odor: Noticeable almond or aromatic scent, not reliable for detection at lower hazardous levels
Flash Point: Roughly 87 °C, making it ignitable under the right conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures away from light and air
Possible Reactions: May react with strong oxidizers and reducing agents producing heat and toxic gases
Hazardous Decomposition: Gives off nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, toluene, and other organics if degraded
Polymerization: Not expected to occur, but breakdown under fire or extreme circumstances can be unpredictable
Acutely Toxic: Ingestion and inhalation can bring on nausea, headaches, methemoglobinemia (with blue lips, confusion, shortness of breath)
Chronic Effects: Studies show regular exposure impacts liver and kidneys; neurological symptoms may arise over time
Routes of Exposure: Absorbed through skin, inhaled, or accidentally ingested, workplace handling presents the most likely exposure
Animal Data: Animal tests find high-dose chronic exposure damages organs, though the full long-term risk to humans relies on work environment and duration
Aquatic Effects: Highly toxic to aquatic species including fish and invertebrates, even in small concentrations
Mobility: Can leach through soil, but does not dissolve well in water
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in nature, can accumulate in soil and surface water near industrial sites
Bioaccumulation: Chance of buildup in aquatic life, possibly impacting the food chain
Waste Disposal: Collect as hazardous chemical waste, incinerate in a permitted facility, avoid landfill dumping to reduce environmental exposure
Contaminated Packaging: Treat empty drums and bottles as chemical waste, do not reuse, thoroughly rinse and tag for specialized disposal
Legal Requirements: Follow local environmental laws for hazardous waste, and document disposal for inspections or audits
Classification: Recognized as a hazardous material for road, sea, and air shipment
Shipping Labels: Packages need “toxic” and “flammable liquid” markings
Precautions: Keep containers sealed, protected from sunlight and heat during transport, minimize movement within vehicles, ensure handlers know the hazards
Incident Response: Emergency guidelines call for evacuation and spill response in modern cargo facilities if leaks are suspected
OSHA Status: Listed as hazardous under Hazard Communication Standard in industrial settings
EPA Status: Tracked as a toxic substance under the Toxic Substances Control Act; manufacturing and disposal are regulated
International Requirements: Subject to dangerous goods regulations under transportation legislation in North America, the European Union, and East Asia
Worker Rights: Employees are entitled to hazard communication, training about 2-nitrotoluene risks, and access to safety instructions on the job
