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Chemical Name: Methyl Isothiocyanate
Common Synonyms: MITC
CAS Number: 556-61-6
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor
Uses: Widely used in pesticide manufacture, soil fumigation, rubber industry, and as a chemical intermediate
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal), Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Serious Eye Damage, Respiratory Sensitization
Hazard Statements: Highly toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin; severe irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal contact, eye contact, ingestion
Immediate Effects: Burning, coughing, nausea, headache, breathlessness, conjunctivitis
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory complications, skin sensitization, impaired lung function
Main Component: Methyl Isothiocyanate (MITC)
Concentration: Typically above 95%, impurities often under 5%
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, seek medical help for breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water, get medical attention for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, offer water, get urgent medical help
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water streams tend to spread the product
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides
Precautions: Evacuate area, cool containers near fire with water spray, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Personal Protection: Evacuate non-essential personnel, use appropriate personal protection (respirator, goggles, gloves)
Containment: Ventilate area, prevent entry into drains and waterways
Cleanup: Absorb with inert material, collect with non-sparking tools, dispose in accordance with regulations
Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces, keep away from heat and ignition sources, avoid breathing vapors
Storage: Store tightly sealed in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; segregate from oxidizers, acids, moisture, foodstuffs
Incompatibilities: Strong acids and alkalis, moisture, oxidizing agents
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.02 ppm (skin, ceiling), ACGIH TLV: 0.02 ppm (skin, ceiling)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems for handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), full face shield or goggles, respirator with organic vapor cartridges, protective clothing, boots
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to yellow
Odor: Sharp, pungent, unpleasant
Molecular Weight: 73.1 g/mol
Boiling Point: About 119°C (246°F)
Melting Point: -45°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.02 g/cm3
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with water, acids, alkalis, produces toxic gases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrous gases
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flame, moisture, incompatible materials
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): ~30 mg/kg, Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 hr): ~80 ppm
Short-Term Effects: Severe irritation to mucous membranes, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal distress
Long-Term Effects: Risk of chronic respiratory disease, skin allergies, eye damage in unprotected workers
Cancer Risk: Not classified as carcinogenic by major authorities
Reproductive Toxicity: Limited data, no clear evidence of reproductive harm
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life, even at low concentrations
Environmental Fate: Volatile; breaks down in water and soil over time but can move quickly in air
Persistence and Bioaccumulation: Does not persist or bioaccumulate significantly due to volatility, but acute effects in contaminated sites remain a concern
Spills: Can kill fish, amphibians, invertebrates in contaminated water, and harm plant roots in soil
Disposal Method: Incineration in chemically approved facilities, never pour down drains or waterways
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, dispose using licensed waste disposal contractors
Regulatory Requirements: Follow local, state, and federal environmental control laws to avoid toxic releases
UN Number: 2480
Shipping Name: Methyl Isothiocyanate
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: I (high danger)
Special Precautions: Keep separate from foodstuffs, store upright, secure the container to prevent tipping or leaks, display hazard warning placards during transport
OSHA Status: Regulated as a hazardous material; mandatory labeling
EPA: Listed as Extremely Hazardous Substance, subject to reporting under EPCRA Section 302
TSCA: Listed in inventory
Workplace Requirements: Mandatory safety training, safety data sheets in accessible locations, reporting of exposures and incidents above threshold levels
