Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate, often called TDI, came into industrial life during the rapid expansion of chemical manufacturing in the twentieth century. Long before it became a staple for polyurethane production, researchers worked with toluene-based molecules in attempts to improve resilience and versatility in paints, coatings, and foams. By the 1940s and 1950s, after discoveries in Germany and the United States, TDI emerged as a preferred chemical feedstock because it steered clear of the brittleness and instability found in earlier materials. Countries looked to chemicals like TDI when building new infrastructure and consumer goods after World War II, as lightweight strong plastics changed how people lived and worked. TDI’s history tells a story of adaptation, risk, and ingenuity, as chemical manufacturing shifted from small batches to hundreds of thousands of tons a year. Every stretch of road paved with modern insulation and every mass-produced mattress rolled out of a factory holds echoes of those early days in industrial labs.
When folks outside the lab hear "diisocyanate," they may wonder what purpose these chemicals serve in daily life. TDI, a colorless-to-pale-yellow liquid with a sharp, sometimes choking odor, has cemented its place in the making of flexible polyurethane foams. Most cushions, bedding, and even some automotive parts contain foams shaped by this chemical reaction. The molecule’s structure—two reactive isocyanate groups sticking out from a toluene base—gives it a unique ability to react with polyols, creating chains that snap together into rugged, springy plastic networks. Unlike more benign materials, TDI demands respect during manufacturing, but its outsized role in everything from shoes to insulation highlights the double-edged nature of chemical progress.
Every bottle of TDI behaves predictably under the microscope and inside the plant. With a boiling point that sits below the temperatures found in most home ovens and a tendency to evaporate fast, it creates a fume risk for careless handlers. The chemical’s isocyanate groups hungrily grab moisture from air, releasing toxic gases like carbon dioxide and leading to foaming—the very reaction exploited in foam production, but a danger in less controlled settings. TDI does not dissolve in water but mixes with organic solvents such as acetone and benzene, allowing for precise tweaking in industrial recipes. As a seasoned lab worker, I remember struggling to keep humidity low when measuring TDI—its impatience with water means bad weather can ruin a batch, or worse, set off unexpected fuming. That volatility keeps engineers on their toes when storing and piping the material through automated production lines.
Regulations demand clear labels and rigorous assay tests for each TDI shipment. Purity must surpass 99 percent for reliable reactions, and minuscule contamination can throw off the balance in foam formulations. Each drum carries hazard symbols, not just as a bureaucratic box-tick, but as a real warning against inhalation or skin contact. Packed under nitrogen and sealed tight against air, the containers recall my early days in industrial safety training, where one breach led to months of investigation and fresh protocols across the warehouse. Producers go beyond the listing of chemical names, with details like specific gravity and isomer ratios shaping downstream applications and blending. In this space, technical specs shield workers, reassure consumers, and give engineers the only clues they need to keep plants running without nasty surprises.
Getting to TDI means steering simple toluene through a series of painstaking chemical transformations. Factories begin by nitrating toluene, a process that replaces hydrogen atoms with nitro groups under harsh acidic conditions. Next comes reduction to toluenediamine—a hazardous but necessary process involving high temperatures and catalysts. The final step brings in phosgenation, turning the amine groups into isocyanates with phosgene, a gas with its own violent history as a chemical weapon. Experienced chemists know these plants must run like clockwork, as even small releases of phosgene or incomplete reactions can trigger immediate shut-downs. Environmental engineers walk a razor’s edge, balancing safety with efficiency, always watching the monitors for signs of leaks or pressure spikes. This preparation shows the cost of performance, reminding everyone that behind every soft foam mattress lies a supply chain laced with complexity.
The real magic in TDI’s story happens once the chemical leaves its storage tank and meets a polyol partner. Unlike many slow, drawn-out polymerizations, TDI reacts with alcohol groups in polyols swiftly, linking up as fast as any bartender shaking drinks on a Saturday night. Releasing heat and gases, this reaction puffs up the mixture into giant slabs or molded forms within minutes. Engineers often modify TDI with additives or use different ratios of its two major isomers—2,4 and 2,6—to change physical properties in the final polyurethane material. Over time, research teams developed low-monomer versions and blocked isocyanates that stay unreactive until triggered, offering safer handling and more flexible storage. Each tweak targets a new problem: reducing emissions during manufacturing, limiting worker exposure, or lengthening the usable life of finished parts.
TDI does not just stick to one label. Chemistry textbooks and shipping manifests may call it 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate 2,6, or even use its CAS number to dodge ambiguity. Some companies group it with 2,4-toluene diisocyanate or simply call it TDI in shorthand, reflecting the blend typically used in foam plants. I have seen misunderstandings grow when jargon gets tangled up: a misread label can send the wrong drum to a mix station, damaging expensive equipment or halting production. These tangled labels signal a deeper truth—chemicals carry baggage and context, so a clear chain of custody and naming means less room for costly mistakes.
TDI’s dangers stretch well beyond the factory fence. Breathing in its vapors, even at low concentrations, brings trouble for lung function, skin, and eyes. Across plants worldwide, workers who skip respirators or gloves may develop rashes, asthma, or lasting lung damage. Global agencies like OSHA and ECHA track exposure rates, pushing stricter permissible limits as science uncovers more acute and chronic effects. Emergency shower drills and spill protocols become everyday routines. From my time overseeing a chemical warehouse, one mistake would ripple across a team: a forgotten gasket, or a rushed decanting, sent people hustling to fresh air and medical checks. TDI’s sharp, acrid odor gives early warning, but the real danger sits in the invisible vapor that can overtake a workspace before alarms sound. Safety in this field runs twelve hours a day, reinforced by real stories of what can go wrong.
TDI molds the familiar texture of lives richer than most folks realize. Flexible polyurethane foams cushion seats on buses and trains, line office chairs, and cradle shoppers in sneaker insoles. Automotive teams rely on TDI-based foams for impact resistance and weight control, making cars both lighter and safer. Construction engineers prize TDI’s versatility in adhesives, sealants, and insulating panels that help keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. The coating industry taps its ability to crosslink and toughen formulations for paints and varnishes that can stand up to weather and wear. Each application grows out of unique mechanical demands and regulatory strictness, especially as labs tweak formulations for flame retardancy and lower emission. Having worked in product development, I’ve watched TDI open doors to new markets—whether turning waste streams into usable products or plugging performance gaps in crowded industries.
Teams in academia and industry dig deep into TDI’s chemistry, looking for ways to wring out more value with less risk. Universities probe the kinetics of TDI-polyol reactions using advanced spectrometers, trying to predict foam structure from the earliest moments of mixing. Corporate labs experiment with catalysts or alternative raw materials to reduce dependency on oil-feedstocks or trim emissions during manufacture. Research also chases less obvious angles: how to recycle foams without downcycling, how microplastics formed from polyurethane break down in the environment, how to block offgassing from new mattresses. Each breakthrough nudges the field forward but also raises new questions on sustainable sourcing, end-of-life waste, and health impacts. My experience in collaborative projects tells me that real change comes slow, braided with regulation and economics just as much as scientific innovation.
The hardest lessons with TDI have come from toxicology studies stretching back decades. Populations exposed to isocyanates in poorly ventilated factories showed rates of occupational asthma far higher than average, spurring the development of modern monitoring and ventilation. Animal studies indicated risks of immune sensitization, reproductive harm, and organ toxicity with chronic exposure. Each case sharpened the need for lower occupational exposure thresholds, better personal protective gear, and constant vigilance. Unlike some chemicals that break down harmlessly, TDI can linger on surfaces and in closed spaces for days after spills. Communities living near manufacturing plants fought for stricter environmental regulations, and advocacy from workers’ unions carried their concerns from shop floors to national legislatures. These hard-won reforms still shape operations, as lived experience keeps steering safety programs toward zero incidents.
The world continues to weigh TDI’s utility against its risks. Engineers and policy makers seek safer substitutes, but few match TDI’s unique blend of reactivity and versatility. Researchers blend novel bio-based polyols or try to coax plant oils into similar performance, aiming to chip away at dependence on fossil-fuels. Waste-stream reclamation—recovering chemicals from used foams or defunct insulation—enables a drive toward circularity. Enhancements in sensor technology flag vapor escapes before they cause harm, letting automatic shutdowns act faster than any human guard. Companies ramp up transparency, sharing emissions and exposure data, not just for compliance but as an investment in public trust. My years working alongside technical and regulatory teams taught me that chemistry does not sit outside social context—a product as useful as TDI ultimately shapes, and is shaped by, how society decides to value safety, sustainability, and performance. Navigating that intersection will define the future—not only for TDI, but for the whole world of industrial chemicals.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate, often called TDI, pops up everywhere, even if you've never seen the name before. Walking through a furniture store, picking up a yoga mat, or even sliding into your car seat, you come into contact with products linked to TDI. Foam padding, memory foam mattresses, some paints, and coatings depend on this chemical for their unique properties.
It’s the backbone of flexible polyurethane foam, the kind that shows up in sofas, mattresses, and car seats. Stretch open a pillow cushion, and the springiness comes from a process involving TDI. Manufacturers favor it because TDI helps make products cost-effective, durable, and comfortable, helping people get better sleep or safer car rides. Its liquid form lets it blend well with other ingredients under controlled factory conditions, so the end result turns out strong and long-lasting. Every time you flop onto a bed and feel it bounce back, you’re getting a direct benefit from the chemical reactions started by TDI.
Despite the positives, the story takes a sharp turn inside production plants. Workers who handle TDI face real risks. Breathing in its vapors may trigger asthma-like symptoms, eye and lung irritation, and long-term health effects. Some studies flag TDI as a possible factor in certain cancers. It’s no surprise that regulatory agencies keep tight rules on its use. Manufacturing sites enforce strict protective gear, air monitoring, and emergency plans to prevent leaks or accidental exposure.
Out in the environment, the leftovers from making or using TDI don’t vanish easily. When factories don’t handle waste well, contamination turns up in water or soil nearby. I’ve seen residents in industrial areas complain about headaches and foul smells, connecting health changes to chemical releases. It’s not just a local problem, either. Some places struggle with cleaning up fields and rivers after careless handling by companies who put profit over people.
Big industries spend real money on systems to trap leaks, scrub air, and treat waste, but mistakes still slip through. Training and strict safety routines don’t always solve the whole problem. Sometimes people get sick because not enough attention is paid during rushed shifts or facility failures. Regulators have upped fines and inspection frequency to push companies to do better. Community groups keep pressure on lawmakers for tougher enforcement based on lived experience near plants.
The push for safer replacement materials keeps gaining traction, especially from consumers demanding “greener” products. Companies experiment with plant-based or less toxic materials, offering new versions of foams and paints. Progress doesn’t come fast. Some alternatives cost more, or don’t match TDI’s performance. But momentum is building as buyers make clear they value health and sustainability. Until those new options completely take over, households and workers need better education about risks, and companies must stick to strong safety rules, not just tick boxes for compliance.
The truth about TDI, like a lot of chemicals in daily products, rests in a tough balance. Its benefits power comfort and convenience, yet its dangers call for real care and innovation. Ordinary folks, workers, and leaders shape what comes next by staying watchful, asking hard questions, and voting with their dollars toward safer choices. This isn’t just a fight for cleaner factories — it links to the everyday air we breathe and the wellbeing of whole neighborhoods. Everyone has a hand in pushing for solutions that put both performance and health at the forefront.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate does not play around. It’s used in urethane-based foam, paints, adhesives, and other products that cross your path almost daily. But this compound brings a whole lot of danger with it. Breathing its vapors or letting it touch your skin can set off asthma, skin rashes, eye burns, and, in a bad spill, even severe lung damage or death. I once saw a colleague open a drum without protection. One quick whiff was enough to send him running outside. He lost a week of work and learned that shortcuts in chemical safety never pay.
Fact is, anyone working with toluene-2,6-diisocyanate should act as though it can hurt them—because it can. Start with the basics: goggles that seal tight and give a wide view, not the standard safety glasses. Chemical-resistant gloves, like heavy nitrile, usually beat light disposables. A full face shield adds another layer and makes it less likely a splash will blind you. For breathing, skip cheap dust masks. A full respirator with organic vapor cartridges is the only way to go, especially outside a well-designed fume hood or ventilated area.
I worked in a plant where sensors measured isocyanate vapor constantly. The good news: nobody fainted or left with burnt lungs. Setting up exhaust hoods and ventilators is not just about compliance; it is a matter of making sure you leave work as healthy as you arrived. OSHA has set a limit for airborne concentration—only 0.02 parts per million as a ceiling. If your nose picks up a sweet, acrid scent, odds are it’s already too late, because isocyanate vapors can cause harm below the odor threshold. Trust the meters—not your sense of smell.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate reacts with water. Spilling it on a wet floor kicks off toxic fume production in seconds. Have cleanup kits on standby: absorbent pads and neutralizers are essential. Rope off the area, let only trained workers approach, and stick to written procedures. Workers dealing with spills need everything from full-body suits to chemical boots. In my years overseeing emergency drills, I’ve seen even seasoned techs forget this in the rush—so routine practice makes a real difference.
Reading safety data sheets once at hiring isn’t enough. Hands-on training every month keeps risks fresh in people’s minds. I’ve run drills where we simulate goggle failures or accidental contact, and the muscle memory built there stops panic when it’s real. Knowing the symptoms of overexposure—wheezing, coughing, watery eyes—helps in early intervention, and having posted emergency medical contacts is common sense, not just a checkbox for audits.
Drums and bulk tanks ought to sit in cool, dry spots. Heat and sunlight push pressure inside drums, risking leaks. Double-check valves and seals for drips. Chemicals don’t stay in perfect shape forever; checking for corrosion in containers or labels peeling off prevents both confusion and accidents. Label everything in bold; keep incompatible chemicals apart. I’ve seen two drums swapped once—fixing that mistake burned through an entire day and nearly cost someone their eyesight.
Safety around toluene-2,6-diisocyanate never comes from a single rule or piece of gear. It builds over time, with reminders, checks, real investment in training, and a bit of personal humility. Respect for the risks, not just the regulations, saves lives and keeps the workplace running. Staying proactive, sharing lessons, and never letting up on vigilance—this is how people come home safe at the end of a shift.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate, often called 2,6-TDI, sits at the center of discussions about polyurethane production. Its chemical formula is C9H6N2O2, which packs nine carbon atoms, six hydrogens, two nitrogens, and two oxygens onto a single aromatic ring backbone. Two isocyanate groups hang from the benzene ring, fixed at the 2 and 6 positions. Think of it as a toluene molecule with two -NCO groups attached in spots right beside the methyl group. The actual arrangement shapes how 2,6-TDI interacts with other chemicals, how it handles in the factory, and how it surprises workers if not treated with respect.
Everyone knows benzene rings set the stage for all sorts of chemistry. Once you stick on a methyl group and two isocyanate groups, the game changes. These isocyanate groups are highly reactive, especially toward water and alcohols, which means the material demands good storage and careful handling. The structure looks like this: a hexagonal benzene ring, a methyl (CH3) dangling off one spot (the 1-position), and an -NCO group at the 2 and 6 positions. These spots aren’t picked at random; the 2 and 6 give 2,6-TDI a very different personality from the 2,4 isomer, changing everything from reactivity to toxicity profiles.
I spent time in a polyurethane foam plant, where every barrel of 2,6-TDI came with warnings typed in bold red. The reason for that gets baked into its chemistry. Two isocyanate groups make this compound especially good at linking together polymers. This means the structure helps form strong, flexible chains, which end up as spongy foam in cushions or stiff insulation on building sites. But breathe in those vapors or spill a drop on bare skin, and chemical burns can happen fast. Safe operations in that plant meant everything—from wearing full protective gear, to using air scrubbers in storage rooms, and never letting water get near open drums.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate brings risk along with utility. Cases of asthma have followed careless use. According to OSHA, low-level chronic exposure remains the top cause of occupational asthma among polyurethane workers. Firms can stop tragedy in its tracks by installing local exhaust ventilation, mandating full-face respirators, and setting tight controls on atmospheric concentrations (the OSHA limit stands at 0.02 ppm for an 8-hour shift). Routine medical monitoring and quick access to safety data sheets can save lives. Switching to less hazardous precursors promises hope, but as long as 2,6-TDI remains a standard, safety culture cannot slip.
Automation, proper labeling, and robust training programs make the biggest difference on the floor. Closed systems cut down on human exposure, and regular drills keep people sharp. Some companies now turn to alternative chemistries with milder profiles, but these seldom match the performance punch of classic 2,6-TDI. Staying updated with safety regulations, using chemical sensors for early leak detection, and sharing incident reports all keep progress moving the right way.
Once you have worked in a facility that deals with industrial chemicals, you know that certain substances demand a level of respect that everyday materials just don’t. Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate, often used in manufacturing flexible foams and coatings, is one of those chemicals that brings its own unique headaches. Mishandling it can do a lot more than ruin a product batch—it can impact respiratory health, harm the eyes and skin, and spark incendiary nightmares. Safety folks aren’t exaggerating risks with this material. You learn quickly from the strict protocols and from stories you hear during shift change.
Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate reacts in ugly ways with water and humidity. A small leak can bring more than just slippery floors; you get corrosive fumes that can cause panic or worse. For that reason, secure, sealed vessels—usually steel drums with lined interiors—end up being the standard storage choice in most plants I have seen. Old, dented, or unlabeled containers become a liability, not just a blight on the storage area. The quality of seal and clear labeling directly correlate with workplace safety, so cutting corners never pays off.
Traditional wisdom says chemicals like this should never sit anywhere near sources of water. Rooftop leaks, dripping pipes, busted sump pumps—facility workers keep tabs on those and flag trouble fast. A common practice keeps diisocyanate containers away from acids, bases, amines, and direct sunlight. UV rays and warmth each push the material closer to decomposition, driving up the chance of fire or accidental release. Ventilation becomes more than a box to check; it acts as a frontline defense against accidental inhalation or explosive crashes.
Ask anyone experienced with diisocyanates about storage temperatures, and you’re unlikely to get a shrug. Staff post thermometers, install alarms, and keep the material between 15°C to 25°C. Cold makes it hard to pump; heat brings out hazardous vapors. Keeping the temperature stable doesn’t just make life easier for workers, it prevents pressure build-up and the sort of incidents that bring in regulatory agencies or news cameras.
Unloading or repackaging Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate always calls for gloves that resist chemicals, splash goggles, and face shields. Veterans know that skin exposure or a careless sniff isn’t something you just walk off. Facilities provide properly maintained emergency eyewash and shower stations, and insist on thorough training long before people touch the stuff.
Over the years, I have seen how storage mistakes escalate quickly, even in experienced outfits. Improvements often hinge on regular training sessions and drills, which help everyone recognize the signs of leaks or improper storage. Many companies push for automated environmental monitoring systems to catch trouble before it becomes a headline. Real accountability—good recordkeeping, prompt reporting, and honest communication—matters more than any single piece of equipment.
The lesson has been drilled into me and my peers: storage isn’t just about finding a spot on the shelf. With Toluene-2,6-Diisocyanate, the line between manageable risk and disaster remains thin. Vigilance, has to be daily, in the details, and in every decision made in the storage area.
Anyone who has worked around industrial chemicals knows the sharp, unmistakable smell on the air. Toluene-2,6-diisocyanate, sometimes shortened to TDI, floats around in factories where people make things like foam cushions and insulation. It doesn’t take much reading to see the dangers: this chemical reacts strongly with moisture, and human lungs are full of it. After direct experience in manufacturing plants, I saw skilled workers who always wore full-face respirators, stubbornly double-checking the seals, often out of hard-won wisdom. Living through a bad exposure had kept them careful.
TDI’s fumes don’t just make you cough once or twice. The stuff irritates airways almost right away. Some describe the burning feeling in their throat and chest, followed by a deep cough they can’t shake. Chronic exposure can scar the lining inside the lungs and airways. A 2020 CDC bulletin details that even short-term exposure leads to asthma-like symptoms—wheezing, chest tightness, and sometimes real asthma attacks. Worse, long-term exposure means a higher chance of developing occupational asthma, sometimes so bad that leaving the job becomes the only option. From my own visits to clinics, I’ve seen people on inhalers daily after years spent on factory lines.
Besides breathing in TDI, simple skin contact causes rashes or hives. Touching it without gloves brings on redness and swelling. Workers who got splashed sometimes landed in emergency rooms, treating painful burns. Splashes into the eyes produce stinging, blurred vision, and sometimes lasting irritation. The burning sensation usually lingers for hours, not just minutes. Protective gear isn’t overkill; it’s plain necessity. Stories spread by word of mouth in workshops frequently mention coworkers who ended up on sick leave after ignoring safety rules.
No one wants a lifelong allergy, though that’s a real risk. TDI triggers immune sensitivity the same way repeated poison ivy exposure makes skin flare up after the tiniest touch. After becoming sensitized, even a whiff can set off harsh reactions. Some workers have to quit jobs entirely to get away from the threat, and no amount of retraining or exposure toughens them up again. Sensitized people find it tough to work in any plant where isocyanates exist, which limits their career choices sharply.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) review shows thousands of workplace injuries traced back to TDI every year. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends exposure limits as low as possible—drops in the air, not cups. Every breath counts. Foam production facilities install exhaust hoods, wear chemical suits, and check ventilation routinely for good reason. These steps protect against more than just nuisance; they prevent lifelong disability.
Better training comes up time and again as a clear fix. People learn safe handling, spot problems faster, and use the right gear when employers insist on education. Regular air monitoring makes hidden leaks obvious before harm happens. Substituting less harmful chemicals, where possible, cuts future health costs and human suffering. The loudest lesson from veterans in industry: shortcuts might save a minute but steal years from your health.
TDI isn’t some distant chemical niche — it’s part of daily life for many, especially in growing economies. Protecting workers means listening to their experiences and taking action. With real stories and clear rules, people stay safe and keep their livelihoods. Nobody should sacrifice their lungs for the comfort of others’ chairs.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,3-Diisocyanato-2-methylbenzene |
| Other names |
2,6-Toluene diisocyanate 2,6-TDI 2,6-Tolylene diisocyanate TDI-2,6 Toluyl diisocyanate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈtoʊljuːiːn ˌtuː ˈsɪks daɪˌaɪsəˈkaɪəneɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 91-08-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 879972 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:53097 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL18504 |
| ChemSpider | 54633 |
| DrugBank | DB01792 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.097 |
| EC Number | 202-966-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 126103 |
| KEGG | C14353 |
| MeSH | D014026 |
| PubChem CID | 11021 |
| RTECS number | XN6476000 |
| UNII | 4R1VB8VLZL |
| UN number | 2078 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H6N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 174.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Sharp, pungent odor |
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Reacts |
| log P | 2.92 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.01 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.39 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.64 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.27 × 10⁻⁹ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.584 |
| Viscosity | 2.1 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| Dipole moment | 0.16 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 356.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -289.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3445 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Toxic by inhalation, causes skin and respiratory sensitization, irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, potential carcinogen, may cause allergic reactions. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS06, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS06, GHS08 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H225, H300, H315, H317, H319, H330, H334, H335, H351, H373 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P260, P261, P264, P271, P280, P285, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P320, P333+P313, P342+P311, P362, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-1-1-W |
| Flash point | 127 °F (53 °C) (closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 630°C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.9–9.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5800 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 5800 mg/m³ (inhalation, rat) |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: QW2975000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 0.005 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.04 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | IDLH: 2 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate Hexamethylene diisocyanate Isophorone diisocyanate Phosgene |