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Chemical Datasheet

TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 26471-62-5
  • 2078
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE (80/20 mixture of 2,4- and 2,6- isomers)
  • TOLUENE-DIISOCYANATE, 80/20 mixture of 2,4-TDI and 2,6-TDI
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
1
3 2
Blue Health 3 Can cause serious or permanent injury.
Red Flammability 1 Must be preheated before ignition can occur.
Yellow Instability 2 Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
Note: NFPA ratings shown are for 2,4-diisocyanatotoluene, CAS number 584-84-9.
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A clear colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Denser than water. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors irritate the respiratory system. Toxic under prolonged exposure to vapor in low concentrations or short exposure to high concentrations of vapor. Carcinogenic. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Used to make polyurethane foams and paints.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Reaction with water liberates carbon dioxide, reaction is slow at STP.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory system. It may cause bronchial asthma. It may also cause bronchitis and pulmonary edema. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Exposure may cause an asthmatic reaction with wheezing, dyspnea and cough. Some decrease in lung function in the absence of symptoms has been observed after long periods of exposure. Eosinophilia has been reported. It may cause sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea and bronchial spasm. High concentrations are destructive to tissues of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract and digestive tract. Chemical or hypersensitive pneumonia may occur with flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, chills). Irritation of the lungs may occur. Exposure may also cause laryngitis, shortness of breath and headache. Chest discomfort, including tightness and congestion, occurs. Insomnia has occurred. Death may result if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Skin contact may result in severe dermatitis. If the liquid is allowed to remain in contact with the skin, it may produce redness, swelling and blistering. It may also cause rashes and scaling. Skin sensitization can occur. Allergic eczema may also occur. Eye contact may cause severe irritation resulting in permanent damage if left untreated. It may cause keratitis and conjunctivitis. Eye contact may also cause lacrimation, smarting, burning and a prickling sensation. Ingestion may cause burns of the mouth and stomach. It may also have a corrosive effect on the stomach and esophagus. Gastrointestinal irritation may occur. Medical conditions aggravated by exposure to this compound include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial hyperactivity, skin allergies and eczema.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This chemical is highly toxic by inhalation and ingestion. It is also highly toxic by skin contact. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. It is also a lacrimator. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE is explosive in the form of vapor-air mixture when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. Potentially violent polymerization reaction with strong bases or acyl chlorides. Reaction with aniline may generate enough heat to ignite unreacted portion and surrounding materials. Reaction with water liberates carbon dioxide. Potential explosion if stored in polyethylene containers due to absorption of water through the plastic. Emits toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition[Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1251].
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.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 156 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / 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: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 156 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

SMALL FIRE: CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 156 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / 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 AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion 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, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Toluene diisocyanate, 1,3- 26471-62-5 Liquid >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C9H6N2O2
Flash Point: 250°F (NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 0.9 % (NTP, 1992)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 9.5 % (NTP, 1992)
Autoignition Temperature: greater than 300°F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point: 67.1 to 70.7°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 0.025 mmHg at 77°F ; 1 mmHg at 176°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 6 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.22 at 77°F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 484°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 174.16 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: Reacts with water (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Toluene diisocyanate (mixed isomers) (26471-62-5) 0.02 ppm 0.083 ppm 0.51 ppm LEL = 9000 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

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
Benzene, 1,3-diisocyanatomethyl- 26471-62-5 100 pounds X U223 10000 pounds
Toluene diisocyanate (unspecified isomer) 26471-62-5 100 pounds X U223 10000 pounds
Toluenediisocyanate (mixed isomers) 26471-62-5 100 pounds 313 U223 10000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names