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Chemical Datasheet

ISOPROPYL CHLOROFORMATE

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid 8 - Corrosive
Chemical Identifiers | Hazards | Response Recommendations | Physical Properties | Regulatory Information | Alternate Chemical Names

Chemical Identifiers

The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 108-23-6   (ISOPROPYL CHLOROFORMATE)
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
  • Corrosive
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A clear colorless volatile liquid with a pungent irritating odor. About the same density as water and insoluble in water. Floats on water Very irritating to skin and eyes and very toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.

Hazards

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Gives off HCl fumes in moist air. Insoluble in water. Decomposes slowly in water forming isopropyl alcohol, HCl, and CO2.
Fire Hazard
Extremely dangerous; this chemical has exploded while stored in refrigerator. Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Like other chlorides, when heated to decomposition or on contact with acids or acrid fumes, they evolve highly toxic chloride fumes. Reacts violently with phosgene. Unstable, avoid phosgene (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Acute: highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption. Delayed: can produce delayed pulmonary edema (2-24 hours after exposure) similar to that produced by phosgene. Inhalation of material may cause death or permanent injury. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
ISOPROPYL CHLOROFORMATE is water reactive. A sample stored in a refrigerator exploded [Wischmeyer 1973]. Attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 476]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

Response Recommendations

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2407 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

Keep unnecessary people away and isolate hazard area. Stay upwind and keep out of low areas. Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog or foam. Do not get water inside container. Cool containers exposed to flame with water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Warning: Isopropyl chloroformate is an irritant and is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Some effects of exposure may be delayed up to 24 hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Isopropyl Chloroformate Exposure: Acute exposure to isopropyl chloroformate may produce the following signs and symptoms: eye irritation, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, and surface burns. Eye irritation may persist after exposure ceases, and exposure may result in permanent corneal damage. Skin sensitization may occur after exposure. Inhalation of isopropyl chloroformate may result in irritation of the nose and throat, difficulty in breathing, pulmonary edema, destruction of lung tissue, collapse, and convulsions. Ingestion of isopropyl chloroformate may cause burns of the gastrointestinal tract.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to isopropyl chloroformate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to isopropyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to isopropyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water or sodium bicarbonate solution for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Rinse mouth with large amounts of water. Inform victims not to swallow this water.
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
7. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C4H7ClO2
Flash Point: 60.1°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flame. (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flame. (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 4.2 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.08 (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 220°F at 761 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 122.55 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Isopropyl chloroformate (108-23-6)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 6 ppm 18 ppm
30 minutes NR 4.3 ppm 13 ppm
60 minutes NR 3.3 ppm 10 ppm
4 hours NR 0.83 ppm 2.5 ppm
8 hours NR 0.43 ppm 1.3 ppm
NR = Not recommended. Absence of an AEGL-1 value does not imply that exposure below the AEGL-2 value is without adverse effects.
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Isopropyl Chloroformate (108-23-6) ID 5 ppm 20 ppm
ID = insufficient data.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Isopropyl chloroformate; (Isopropyl chlorocarbonate) (108-23-6) 0.3 ppm 3.3 ppm 10 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

Regulatory Information

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Carbonochloridic acid, 1-methylethyl ester 108-23-6 1000 pounds 1000 pounds 15000 pounds
Isopropyl chloroformate 108-23-6 1000 pounds 1000 pounds 15000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Isopropyl chloroformate; [Carbonochloridic acid, 1-methylethyl ester] 108-23-6 1.00 % 15000 pounds toxic

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.