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Chemical Datasheet

DINITROTOLUENES, MOLTEN

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 121-14-2
  • 1600
  • Poison
  • DTT
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • 2,4-DINITROTOLUENE
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
1
3 3
Blue Health 3 Can cause serious or permanent injury.
Red Flammability 1 Must be preheated before ignition can occur.
Yellow Instability 3 Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Heated yellow liquid. Solidifies if allowed to cool. Insoluble in water and more dense than water. Toxic by skin absorption, inhalation and ingestion. Easily absorbed through the skin. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Used to make dyes and other chemicals.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Nitrogen oxides and dense black smoke are produced in a fire.

Behavior in Fire: Decomposition is self- sustaining at 280°C. Containers may explode in a fire. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Ingestion or overexposure to vapors from hot liquid can cause loss of color, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, collapse. Hot liquid can burn eyes and skin. Prolonged skin contact with solid can give same symptoms as after inhalation or ingestion. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
DINITROTOLUENE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, caustics, active metals, tin and zinc (NTP, 1992). Decomposition occurs at 250°C. Prolonged heating below 250°C causes some decomposition, and the presence of impurities may decrease the decomposition temperatures. Decomposition is self-sustaining at 280°C. Containers may explode in a fire (USCG, 1999). May react violently in the presence of a base or when heated to the boiling point. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubbers and coatings (NTP, 1992).
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 152 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (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)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 152 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. 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. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 152 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Air-line mask or self-contained breathing apparatus; safety goggles and face shield; rubber gloves and boots; protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
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. 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. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. 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.

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:
  • C7H6N2O4
Flash Point: 405°F (NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 153 to 158°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg at 68°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 6.27 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.379 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 572°F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 182.14 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 63°F (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
Dinitrotoluene, 2,4- (121-14-2) 0.6 mg/m3 12 mg/m3 200 mg/m3
(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
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 121-14-2 10 pounds 313 U105

(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