Product Name: Tetranitromethane
Chemical Formula: C(NO2)4
Synonyms: Nitric acid, tetraester; TNM
CAS Number: 509-14-8
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, oxidizer in rocket propellants, additive in fuels
Manufacturer: Direct manufacturer contact details required for specific sourcing
Emergency Telephone: Refer to regional chemical emergency response numbers
Address: Refer to specific supplier information
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal), Category 2; Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Category 1; Serious Eye Damage, Category 1; Explosive Hazard, Category 1
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Corrosion, Explosive, Environment
Hazard Statements: Fatal if inhaled or swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, suspected of causing genetic defects, very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, strong oxidizer, risk of explosive reaction when exposed to shock, friction, heat or incompatible materials
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe vapors, keep away from heat/open flames, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection, use only in well-ventilated areas, store tightly closed in cool, dry, secure location
Substance: Tetranitromethane
Chemical Identity: C(NO2)4
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: May contain trace levels of nitric acid derivatives
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, call emergency services, administer oxygen if breathing is difficult, monitor for pulmonary edema and respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, flush skin with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes, get medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical advice, expect risk of serious eye damage
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek medical help immediately, may be fatal if swallowed
Note for Medical Professionals: Symptoms may be delayed, risk of methemoglobinemia, provide oxygen therapy and consider treating with methylene blue under medical supervision
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, flood with water spray for large fires, do not attempt to extinguish fire in event of mass explosion risk—evacuate area
Specific Hazards: Explosive decomposition possible, forms toxic gases including nitrogen oxides, product may enhance combustion of other materials
Protective Equipment: Full protective suit including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), chemically resistant gear
Special Procedures: Approach upwind, avoid entering confined spaces, evacuate area, cool containers with water spray from a safe distance to prevent rupture
Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe areas, ventilate closed spaces, prevent ignition sources, wear full chemical protective clothing including gloves, goggles, and face shield
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so, do not allow entry into sewers, surface water, or soil, contain run-off
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like dry sand (not combustible materials), transfer to a properly labeled container, ensure adequate ventilation, dispose according to regulations
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly with water after material pickup, monitor for vapors or residue
Safe Handling: Use only in tightly controlled areas with trained staff, keep away from ignition sources, do not breathe vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, ensure proper ventilation at all times, ground and bond containers during transfer
Storage Requirements: Store in original, tightly closed and corrosion-resistant containers, keep in secure, designated chemical bunker, store separately from combustibles, reducing agents, metals, organic material, store below 30°C, avoid sunlight, label clearly stating hazardous status
Incompatibilities: Strong reducing agents, amines, combustible materials, metallic powders, acids, avoid any material that may facilitate explosive decomposition
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 ppm (skin); NIOSH REL: 1 ppm (skin); ACGIH TLV: 0.5 ppm (skin); Highly regulated and monitored
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof local exhaust ventilation, isolate process, use closed systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Eye and face protection (chemical splash goggles/face shield), skin protection (impervious gloves and apron, full suit for bulk handling), respiratory protection (supplied-air respirator or SCBA in emergencies or when exposure is above limits), hygiene measures (wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink near the chemical, immediately remove contaminated clothing)
Appearance: Pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Sharp, sweet, disagreeable
Melting Point: 13.8°C (56.8°F)
Boiling Point: 126°C (258°F) at 760 mmHg
Density: 1.656 g/cm3 at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: 8 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with organic solvents
pH: Not applicable (neutral compound)
Viscosity: 1.85 cP at 20°C
Flash Point: Not applicable (decomposes/explodes before flashing)
Explosion Limits: Sensitive to shock, heat, friction; no known safe limit; extreme explosiveness
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.34
Decomposition Temperature: Above 130°C
Chemical Stability: Unstable under normal conditions; risk of violent decomposition with increase in temperature, friction, or shock
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Risk of explosion with incompatible materials or container contamination, may form toxic gases on decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flaming, open spark, shock, impact, friction, exposure to light
Incompatible Materials: Metals, organic materials, reducing agents, combustible substances, alkalis, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), carbon oxides, toxic fumes
Acute Toxicity: Extremely toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; inhalation or ingestion can result in methemoglobinemia, severe respiratory damage, CNS effects, convulsions, and death
Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, nausea, dizziness, cyanosis (blue skin/lips), confusion, delayed pulmonary edema, chemical burns on skin and eyes, sore throat, coughing
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can affect liver, kidneys, blood (hemolysis, anemia), and cause sensitization
LD50/LC50: Oral LD50 (rat): 60 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): 43 ppm
Carcinogenicity: No established human carcinogenicity, classified as Group 2B (possible) by IARC
Other Data: Risk of mutagenicity (genetic damage) demonstrated in lab tests
Aquatic Toxicity: Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms including fish and invertebrates; rapid oxygen depletion and bioaccumulation risk
Persistence and Degradability: Low persistence; subject to hydrolysis and photodecomposition, but transforms to toxic byproducts
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate; harmful concentrations build up in aquatic environments
Soil Mobility: Penetrates soil slightly, may contaminate water table
Other Hazards: Ozone depletion and local environmental risk, avoid contamination of watercourses
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber under applicable regulations, never pour down drain or into sewers
Hazardous Waste Status: Classified as hazardous waste under RCRA; must follow hazardous waste generator requirements
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of in accordance with local regulations; treat all packaging as contaminated; never reuse for other chemicals
Environmental Precautions: Do not release into the environment, avoid groundwater or watercourse contamination
UN Number: UN 1660
UN Proper Shipping Name: Tetranitromethane
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid, with explosive risk), 6.1 (toxic), 1.1 (explosives), depending on region
Packing Group: I (high danger)
Marine Pollutant: Yes, classified as environmentally hazardous
Special Precautions: Transport only in approved, tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant packages; adequate hazard communication and spill kits required; notify receiving authorities in advance
OSHA: Highly hazardous chemical subject to Process Safety Management (PSM)
EPA: Listed as hazardous under CERCLA (Superfund), SARA Title III extremely hazardous substance
TSCA: Registered and tracked under U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act
EU Classification: Seveso Directive, extreme hazard; labeled as toxic, corrosive, oxidizing, explosive
REACH Registration: Required for import or manufacture in EU above thresholds
Other State/National Regulations: Refer to specific country or state hazardous chemical and workplace safety rules