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Chemical name: Dinitrosobenzene
Common names: 1,3-Dinitrosobenzene, 1,4-Dinitrosobenzene
Appearance: Yellow to greenish solid
Odor: Faint, sometimes sharp
Formula: C6H4N2O2
Uses: Intermediate in organic synthesis, possible laboratory reagent
Acute effects: Exposure can bring on respiratory discomfort, headaches, and potential cyanosis. Contact with skin or eyes often results in irritation. Repeated or large exposures have sent workers to the hospital with methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder.
Fire hazards: Dust or granules may ignite if heated strongly, with toxic nitrogen oxides released as a byproduct of combustion.
Explosion risks: Finer particles may pose greater risk, especially if strong oxidizers or sources of ignition are nearby.
Long-term effects: Routine contact has been linked to blood-related effects, including anemia and possible impacts on liver function.
Main ingredient: Dinitrosobenzene at high purity for industrial or research use
Possible impurities: Mononitrosobenzene, unreacted benzene rings, trace solvent residues if not manufactured under strict controls
Molecular percentages: Typically found above 95 percent purity in commercial shipments, remaining composition made up of trace unrelated organic compounds
Inhalation: Remove from exposure to fresh air as soon as possible. Provide support for breathing if symptoms of methemoglobinemia appear—medical evaluation is critical.
Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use harsh solvents to remove material from skin—irritation can quickly get worse.
Eye contact: Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes using water or saline. Emergency medical help should be sought if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if the person is conscious. Seek immediate medical care and alert medical staff about possible blood-oxygen complications.
Extinguishing media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Avoid direct, strong water streams if possible as run-off could spread contamination.
Hazards from combustion: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and other toxic fumes may develop as dinitrosobenzene burns.
Protective gear: Firefighters facing burning dinitrosobenzene require a self-contained breathing apparatus. Regular gear provides only minimal protection from fumes.
Small spills: Use disposable absorbent material, sweep up with care, and avoid stirring up particulate matter. Ventilate the area well.
Large spills: Evacuate non-essential personnel. Use barriers to prevent the spread of material. Dikes or inert absorbents (clay, diatomaceous earth) serve well. Collection and disposal must follow chemical waste legislation.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Keep away from heat, open flames, oxidizers, and strong acids.
Handling: Limit dust formation. Use the smallest amount needed for a process. Wash hands after handling. No eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where dinitrosobenzene is present. Regular inspections for leaks or spills protect both workers and the wider environment.
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation reduces airborne concentrations. Fume hoods or glove boxes are appropriate for research settings.
PPE: Use chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile), safety goggles, and lab coats. In environments where dust forms or concentrations rise, use a respirator rated for organic vapors and dusts.
Hygiene practices: Workers should remove protective clothing and wash with soap and water at the end of every shift.
State: Solid at room temperature
Color: Yellow-green
Melting point: Typically above 100°C (variable by isomer)
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water; more readily soluble in organic solvents
Vapor pressure: Low
Density: Around 1.3 g/cm³
Odor threshold: Largely unreported, but noticeable at moderate concentrations
Flammability: May ignite at high temperature or if finely divided
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, though sensitive to moisture and air over long periods.
Conditions to avoid: Strong oxidizers, acids, high temperature, flame, moisture
Decomposition products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and possibly other toxic organic fragments.
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and accidental ingestion
Main effects: Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, methemoglobinemia characterized by blue-tinged skin or lips, fatigue, and confusion. Symptoms grow worse with increased dose or repeated exposure.
Long-term risk: Chronic blood disorders, risk of liver or kidney burden
Sensitive groups: Those with pre-existing blood disorders, children, and pregnant workers should avoid exposure. Methemoglobinemia is especially dangerous for infants.
Carcinogenicity: Available data do not clearly implicate dinitrosobenzene as a cancer risk, but insufficient information makes regular occupational medical checks wise.
Aquatic toxicity: Spills to watercourses threaten aquatic life. Low-level exposure has shown toxic effects in fish and amphibians.
Persistence: Tends to resist immediate biodegradation in soil or water; may bind to sediment or be carried with surface run-off.
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to build up in animal tissue at significant rates but chronic environmental release should be avoided.
Environmental controls: Use closed-cycle water systems where possible, traps for laboratory run-off, and monitor storage areas for leaks.
Waste handling: Collect contaminated material in sealed chemically resistant containers. Avoid landfill disposal for any significant quantity.
Best method: Incineration at a licensed hazardous waste facility capable of processing nitrogenous organics, guaranteeing high-temperature, complete combustion
Legal controls: Consult national and local regulations as illegal disposal risks severe penalties and ongoing environmental damage.
Labeling: Marked as toxic solid, organics, n.o.s. by international standards
Packing group: Varies by concentration and form, with crystalline or powder posing greater risk
Transport precautions: Shippers secure the packaging to prevent movement or breakage, avoid loading with oxidizers or flammable goods, and keep manifests for regulatory inspection.
Occupational limits: Exposure limits for dinitrosobenzene rest on guidance from agencies like OSHA or ACGIH; suggested airborne concentration maximums range from 1 to 5 mg/m³ for an 8-hour shift, adjusted for country and facility type.
Environmental restrictions: Chemical registered and tracked under toxics release inventories where used at industrial scale.
Workplace monitoring: Most countries require routine air quality monitoring, documented worker training, and periodic medical evaluation for any process using dinitrosobenzene. Compliance audits serve as a backbone for continual safety improvement.
