Methyl nitrite

61.04002

61.04

210-870-5

96TLP8RN37

2455

DTXSID8060795

Gas

38.66000

0.31420

Methyl nitrite appears as a liquid or gas Boils at 10.4°F. Moderately toxic by inhalation. Narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a rocket propellant. Differs from nitromethane (H3CNO2).

0.991 g/cm³

-16 °C

-12 °C

1.362

In water, 2.4X10-4 mg/L @ 25 deg C /Estimated/

1,650 mm Hg @ 25 deg C /Estimated/

Inhalation-rat LC50: 176 PPM/4 hours

Flammable; decomposes toxic nitrous acid in water; decomposes toxic nitrogen oxide gas in heat; prevents burns

It is a gas with a severe explosion risk when shocked or heated.

2.20e-13 cm3/molecule*sec

Henry's Law constant = 6.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole /Estimated/

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 2.2X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec

Highly flammable. Somewhat soluble in water.

Nitro, Nitroso, Nitrate, and Nitrite Compounds, Organic

Highly Flammable

METHYL NITRITE is an oxidizing agent. A heat-sensitive explosive. [Lewis]. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity. May, if mixed with reducing agents including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Reacts with inorganic bases to form explosive salts.

2.2

2455

The warehouse is ventilated, low-temperature and dry; stored separately from oxidants, combustibles and ammonium salts

Explosive when mixed with air

P210, P260, P264, P270, P271, P284, P304+P340, P307+P311, P310, P320, P321, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, P501

H221

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Silane (UN2203) will ignite spontaneously in air. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2016)|Flammable - 4th degree, Reactive - 3rd degree

|Danger|H221: Flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]|P210, P260, P264, P270, P271, P284, P304+P340, P307+P311, P310, P320, P321, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED. SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2. LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. (ERG, 2016)

Explodes on heating.|It is a gas with a severe explosion risk when shocked or heated.

/GUIDE 116: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Fire or Explosion: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. ... Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.|/GUIDE 116: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.|/GUIDE 116: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas.|/GUIDE 116: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for METHYL NITRITE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Methyl nitrite was detected, not quantified in emissions from a waste incineration plant in Germany, where primarily mixed waste was treated(1). The compound was detected, not quantified in the exhaust of a methanol-fueled automobile(2).

Methyl nitrite has been reported as a component in aged cigarette smoke(1).

moderately toxic

LC50 Rat inhalation 176 ppm/4 hr /from table/

Methyl nitrite's production and use as a raw material for the synthesis of nitrite and nitrosos esters(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its former use as a rocket propellant(2) resulted in its direct relesase to the environment.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 44(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that methyl nitrite is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl nitrite from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). The potential for volatilization of methyl nitrite from dry soil surfaces may exist (SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1,650 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(4).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 44(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that methyl nitrite is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may occur(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 8 hours and 150 hours, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 0.88(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl nitrite, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 1,600 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Methyl nitrite absorbs light in the environmental spectrum(4), therefore the potential for direct photolysis exists.

The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of methyl nitrite with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.2X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 73 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Methyl nitrite absorbs light in the environmental spectrum(2), therefore the potential for direct photolysis exists.

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for methyl nitrite(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.88(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for methyl nitrite can be estimated to be 44(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that methyl nitrite is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for methyl nitrite is estimated as 6.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that methyl nitrite is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 7.8 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 6.2 days(SRC). Methyl nitrite's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of methyl nitrite from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1,600 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3).

Occupational exposure to methyl nitrite may occur through inhalation of this compound at workplaces where methyl nitrite is produced or used. (SRC)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2016)

Maintain an open air way and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer supplemental oxygen. Treat hypotension with supine positioning, intravenous crystalloid fluids. and low-dose pressors if needed.Monitor vital signs and ECG for 4 to 6 hours. Symptomatic methemoglobinemia may be treated with methylene blue. Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are not effective. Sever methemoglobinemia in infants not responsive to methylene blue therapy may require exchange transfusion.|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat as necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 d of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Nitrates, nitrites, and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary. Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. If unresponsive to these measures, vasopressors may be helpful. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Administer 1% solution methylene blue if patient is symptomatic with severe hypoxia, cyanosis, and cardiac compromise not responding to oxygen. ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Nitrates, nitrites, and related compounds/

/CASE REPORTS/ Two workers from the same factory presented to the same emergency department within six weeks of one another with moderate (Case 1) and severe (Case 2) methemoglobinemia. Subsequent investigation revealed that the factory produces phenylpropanolamine and that both patients, shortly before becoming ill, were inadvertently exposed to methyl nitrite, a critical reagent in this production. Although other nitrites induce methemoglobinemia, exposure to methyl nitrite during phenylpropanolamine production appears to be a new cause of occupational methemoglobinemia.|/CASE REPORTS/ ...A case of fatal /methhemoglobinemia/ (MetHb) due to occupational exposure to methyl nitrite as a result of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) production .../is reported/. Through case report and factory investigation, the causality was demonstrated. Three previous healthy pharmaceutical production workers... developed general weakness, chest tightness, dizziness, and cyanosis while working at the PPA production line. On the arrival of Emergency Department, the MetHb levels were 35.8%, 46.3%, and 68.0% respectively. The last worker died two hours later due to lack of antidote (methylene blue) during the transportation to /the/ hospital. Factory investigation revealed that these three workers were responsible for the production of PPA in the last two years. During the regular procedure, methyl nitrite was developed as an active intermediate reagent in the closed tank to produce PPA. In the morning of this accident, one of the three victims failed to /make sure the tank was empty/. The left-over sulfuric acid reacted with sodium nitrite and the disaster occurred by methyl nitrite which was leaked from the /open/ manhole. ...|/CASE REPORTS/ Methyl nitrite was found to be a potent cyanosing agent for workers synthesizing a rubber antioxidant. Six cases of methyl nitrite intoxication are described, consisting initially of dizziness and later headache and palpitation, the last more pronounced in two workers who consumed alcohol after exposure at work. All men responded satisfactorily to bed rest for 12 hr and inhaling of oxygen for about 2 hr. Atmospheric concentrations in the plants where the men had been affected, simulating the conditions at the time of intoxications, indicated that "50 ppm is the uppermost limit of safety". Another incident, when it was estimated that workers were exposed to 50-100 ppm, caused cyanosis, dizziness, and nausea but complete recovery after exposure ceased.

methyl nitrite

Nitrous acid, methyl ester: ACTIVE

Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 4th degree, Reactive - 3rd degree