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Chemical Name: Methyl Thiocyanate Synonyms: Thiocyanic acid, methyl ester CAS Number: 556-64-9 Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid Odor: Strong, sometimes resembles sulfur compounds Common Use: Used in research, chemical manufacturing, and as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals and pesticides Boiling Point: Roughly 140 degrees Celsius Solubility: Partly in water, more so in organic solvents
Hazard Classification: Classified as toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin Acute Health Hazards: Exposure may lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Larger doses threaten the central nervous system, potentially causing seizures, dizziness, or collapse. Chronic Hazards: Long-term contact damages organs through repeated exposure. May impair kidney and liver function. Fire and Explosion Hazards: Flammable, vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life. Runoff poses persistent risks, with lasting effects on water bodies. Precautionary Statements: Minimize all contact, wash hands thoroughly, and ventilate areas worked in.
Main Ingredient: Methyl Thiocyanate, greater than 95% purity Related Compounds: Trace contaminants include related thiocyanates and simple methylated organics Hazardous Impurities: Small amounts of cyanide-releasing compounds can sometimes be present if manufacture standards drop
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air at once. If breathing becomes hard, seek oxygen and get medical help as soon as possible. Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water. Prolonged contact deserves medical review. Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least fifteen minutes. Avoid rubbing, and look for professional care if irritation continues. Ingestion: Medical assistance without delay. Do not induce vomiting unless assigned by medical staff, as further damage may occur on the way back up.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray. Unusual Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, spreading fire danger near ground level. Toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur compounds, may escape during combustion. Fire Fighters’ Protection: Wear full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus. Stay upwind, and avoid all runoff.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Use personal protective equipment to avoid contact. Ventilate the area well before attempting clean-up. Environmental Precautions: Block liquid from draining into sewers or natural bodies of water. Containment and Clean-up: Absorb spill with inert material, such as dry sand. Transfer to properly labeled waste containers and keep sealed until disposal. Wash site thoroughly once material removed.
Handling: Operate in well-ventilated areas. Avoid direct exposure, inhalation, or skin and eye contact. Use only closed systems or process vessels if possible. Storage: Store in tightly closed containers away from heat, sparks, or open flame. Target a cool, dry location, keeping far from incompatibles like strong oxidizers and acids. Clearly mark storage zones, limiting access to trained users.
Exposure Limits: Workplace exposure limits exist based on general toxicity; refer to ACGIH or OSHA for specific threshold values. Engineering Controls: Make use of fume hoods, ventilation fans, and local exhausts. Regular monitoring systems matter especially in research and lab settings. Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, impervious clothing, and suitable face shields. Respiratory protection is vital in areas with vapor build-up. Hygiene Practices: After handling, always wash thoroughly with soap and water. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke during use. Dispose of contaminated items or wash before reuse.
Appearance: Clear liquid, varying from colorless to pale yellow Odor: Pungent, somewhat reminiscent of mustard or sulfur Boiling Point: Around 140 degrees Celsius Melting Point: Close to -29 degrees Celsius Flash Point: About 35 degrees Celsius Vapor Pressure: High enough to cause rapid vapor build-up in unventilated spaces Solubility: Limited in water, more generous in ethanol and ether
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions but breaks down if exposed to extreme heat or open flame Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, direct sunlight, sparks, and heat sources Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, or bases Hazardous Decomposition: Decomposes to produce cyanide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and other harmful gases
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion Acute Effects: Short-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation. High doses invite serious effects such as confusion, seizures, and collapse. Chronic Effects: Ongoing low exposure stresses internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys. Evidence suggests potential for alteration of thyroid and nervous system functions in repeated heavy exposures. Carcinogenicity and Sensitization: Not classed as carcinogenic by major authorities, but chronic toxic effects stand clear.
Aquatic Toxicity: Direct spills into waterways cause harm to fish and aquatic invertebrates, who absorb thiocyanates through gills and skin Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down slowly in the environment, particularly in soils and sediments with low microbial activity Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential to accumulate in aquatic organisms, moving up food chains Other Harmful Effects: Alters the chemistry of natural waters, making downstream water unsafe for use in drinking, irrigation, or animal habitats
Preferred Treatment: Send for incineration in properly licensed hazardous waste facilities. Container Disposal: Triple rinse before recycling or landfill under controlled conditions—never reuse containers untreated. Do Not: Pour down the drain, onto the ground, or into watercourses. Regional Requirements: Follow local, state, and national requirements for hazardous waste.
UN Number: Designated as dangerous goods in international shipping. Transport Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, toxic by inhalation and contact Packing Group: Based on volume and concentration, typically Group II or III Labeling: Clear flammability and toxicity warnings needed. Drivers and handlers require training for spill or release situations.
Workplace Regulations: Covered by OSHA hazardous chemicals standard. Environmental Restrictions: Release limits apply under EPA and local water authorities. National Inventory Status: Appears on most chemical control lists, including TSCA in the United States. Reporting Requirements: Quantity thresholds apply for reporting under right-to-know laws in many nations. Users need to track inventory, emissions, and waste in line with these laws.
