CHLORAL HYDRATE

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Transparent colorless crystals or white crystalline solid. Aromatic penetrating slightly acrid odor and a slightly bitter caustic taste. Alcoholic solution (1 in 20) does not at once redden moistened blue litmus paper. (NTP, 1992)

none

Water soluble.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include general anesthesia, cardiac arrythmias and blood pressure depression. Other symptoms include hemorrhagic gastritis, enteritis, central nervous system depression, coma, severe respiratory depression, ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. Dermatitis, swelling of the lids, hyperemia, edema of the conjuctiva and a sensation of irritation and tearing may also occur. Exposure may result in gastric irritation, rapid circulatory collapse, kidney and liver damage, heart damage, psychosis and leukopenia. Flatulence, abdominal distension, nausea, headache, giddiness, rashes and blood dyscrasias can occur.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is an irritant of the skin and eyes. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of chlorine. (NTP, 1992)

CHLORAL HYDRATE is incompatible with alkalis, alkaline earth metals, alkali carbonates and soluble barbiturates. It is decomposed by sodium hydroxide. It reduces ammoniacal silver nitrate. It liquefies when triturated with an equal quantity of menthol, camphor or thymol. (NTP, 1992). Reaction of chloral hydrate with hydroxylamine produces toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, Org. Synth., 1941, Vol. 1, 377.

• Alcohols and Polyols
• Halogenated Organic Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbent listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should keep this material in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere, and store it at ambient temperatures. This compound is a Schedule IV DEA Controlled Substance and is to be stored according to State and Federal Regulations. Refer to Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Part 1300 to End. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: When working with this chemical, wear a NIOSH-approved full face chemical cartridge respirator equipped with the appropriate organic vapor cartridges. If that is not available, a half face respirator similarly equipped plus airtight goggles can be substituted. However, please note that half face respirators provide a substantially lower level of protection than do full face respirators. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

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. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. 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. Volatile chemicals 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. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

• AQUACHLORAL
• BI 3411
• CHLORAL HYDRATE
• CHLORAL, MONOHYDRATE
• CHLORALDURAT
• DORMAL
• ESCRE
• 1,1-ETHANEDIOL, 2,2,2-TRICHLORO-
• FELSULES
• HS
• HYDRAL
• HYDRATE DE CHLORAL
• KESSODRATE
• LORINAL
• NOCTEC
• NORTEC
• NYCOTON
• NYCTON
• PHALDRONE
• RECTULES
• SK-CHLORAL HYDRATE
• SOMNI SED
• SOMNOS
• SONTEC
• TOSYL
• TRAWOTOX
• 2,2,2-TRICHLORO-1,1-ETHANEDIOL
• 1,1,1-TRICHLORO-2,2-DIHYDROXYETHANE
• 1,1,1-TRICHLORO-2,2-ETHANEDIOL
• TRICHLOROACETALDEHYDE HYDRATE
• TRICHLOROACETALDEHYDE MONOHYDRATE