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Chemical Name: 2-Phenethyl isocyanate
Synonyms: β-Phenylethyl isocyanate
CAS Number: 1943-82-4
Appearance: Typically, a colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, somewhat irritating
Molecular Formula: C9H9NO
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, Skin and eye irritation, Respiratory sensitizer
Hazard Statements: Causes severe eye and skin burns. Harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. May cause allergic respiratory reaction. Toxic to aquatic life.
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Symbols: Corrosive, Health Hazard, Exclamation Mark
Main Ingredient: 2-Phenethyl isocyanate — 95% or higher
Impurities: Unreacted starting materials, possible minor traces of solvents or by-products dependent on synthetic route and purity grade
Inhalation: Quickly move person to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, and seek medical attention for any respiratory distress.
Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, get medical attention for irritation or blistering.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least fifteen minutes, holding eyelids apart, and contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Permanent injury may result without prompt intervention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water if possible, seek medical care without delay. Symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing can signal internal burns.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam. Do not use water directly on combustible liquid fires.
Fire Hazards: Vapors can ignite in the presence of an ignition source. Decomposition or combustion may release toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and phosgene.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing, and a strategy to contain contaminated runoff.
Personal Protective Measures: Wear impervious gloves, chemical splash goggles, skin-covering clothing, and respirators rated for organic vapors.
Spill Cleanup: Ventilate the area, confine the spill with inert absorbent materials, and collect in properly labeled containers for disposal. Avoid entry into drains or waterways.
Decontamination: Wash away remnants with a dilute ammonia solution, then follow up with plenty of water to inactivate remaining isocyanate residues.
Handling Precautions: Always use in a chemical fume hood or well-ventilated area. Avoid skin, eye, and respiratory exposure by following strict laboratory hygiene. Never eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot away from moisture, heat sources, acids, and oxidizers. Keep containers upright and away from direct sunlight. Ensure labeling remains clear and legible.
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation, and automated systems to minimize human contact with vapors.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (such as butyl rubber), eye protection with side shields or goggles, laboratory coats, and protective boots. Respiratory protection, such as organic vapor cartridges, is essential whenever vapor exposure is likely.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling the compound. Remove contaminated clothing before re-use, and launder protective gear separately.
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Harsh, irritant-like
Boiling Point: Approximately 229°C
Melting Point: Not well documented, likely below room temperature
Solubility: Does not mix with water, mixes with organic solvents
Density: Roughly 1.05 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient conditions, but can form harmful vapors if heated
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage and handling conditions. Moisture or high temperatures bring on decomposition.
Incompatible Materials: Water, acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and alcohols. Exothermic reactions may occur.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Isocyanates can release hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and possibly phosgene during combustion.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, and eye contact
Acute Effects: Breathing in vapors can inflame and damage respiratory passages. Direct skin exposure risks blistering and deep chemical burns. Eyes may suffer permanent injury. Ingestion attacks mucous membranes.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may trigger sensitization of the respiratory system, causing asthma-like attacks with even small exposures in the future.
Carcinogenicity: No direct evidence links 2-phenethyl isocyanate to cancer, though other isocyanates have raised questions about respiratory risks among long-term exposed workers.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, likely to disrupt local ecosystems if released. Short-term exposure in water may injure or kill fish and invertebrates.
Persistence and Degradability: Chemical is slow to break down in water because of poor solubility. Bioaccumulation expected to be low, but not enough definitive studies exist.
Mobility: Tends to bind to soils and sediments. Spills in the environment can result in localized contamination.
Methods of Disposal: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber. Do not pour into sewers or surface waterways. State and local hazardous waste rules apply.
UN Classification: Classified as hazardous for transport due to corrosivity and inhalation risk. Appropriate hazard labels and emergency procedures must be followed for road, rail, sea, or air shipping. Packing groups and regulatory codes should be confirmed with current international guidelines that recognize isocyanate hazards.
Labeling Requirements: Subject to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard in the United States. Globally, GHS hazard pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary language are required for containers and shipping documents.
Regulatory Status: Specifically listed on registries such as the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and similar lists in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Restrictions or reporting may apply, especially where occupational exposure or environmental release occurs.
