General Description
Colorless liquid and an odor of onions. Used as an agricultural insecticide, a fumigant and as a research chemical. No evidence of commercial production in the U.S.
Reactivity Profile
METHYL THIOCYANATE(556-64-9) is a moderately toxic liquid, flammable. Violent, possibly explosive oxidation reaction when mixed with chlorates, nitrates, nitric acid, organic or inorganic peroxides, perchlorates. On contact with mineral acids or acid fumes deadly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas is produced. When heated to decomposition or on contact with mineral acids METHYL THIOCYANATE(556-64-9) emits highly toxic fumes of nitriles, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 879, 1234].
Air & Water Reactions
Very slightly soluble in water [Merck].
Health Hazard
This material is highly toxic if ingested. It is a rapidly acting poison.
Potential Exposure
It is used as an agricultural insecticide; a fumigant; and as a research chemical. No evidence
of commercial production in the United States.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, METHYL THIOCYANATE emits very toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. (Non-Specific--Thiocyanates) Incompatible with nitric acid. Violent reactions have occurred when mixed with chlorates, nitrates, nitric acid, organic peroxides, peroxides, potassium chlorate, and sodium chlorate. This material is volatile.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Note:
Because cyanide is probably largely responsible for poisonings, antidotal measures against cyanide should be instituted promptly. Use amyl nitrate capsules if symptoms
develop. All area employees should be trained regularly in
emergency measures for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. A
cyanide antidote kit should be kept in the immediate work
area and must be rapidly available. Kit ingredients should
be replaced every 12 years to ensure freshness. Persons
trained in the use of this kit; oxygen use, and CPR must be
quickly available.
Shipping
UN2929 Toxic liquids, flammable, organic,
n.o.s., Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation
Hazard, 3-Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required.
UN1992 Flammable liquids, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3;
Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, 6.1-Poisonous materials,
Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with nitric acid. Violent
reactions have occurred when mixed with chlorates,
nitrates, nitric acid; peroxides, potassium chlorate; and
sodium chlorate.
Description
Methyl thiocyanate is a colorless liquid withan onion-like odor. Molecular weight = 73.12; Boilingpoint= 130-133℃; Freezing/Melting point= - 51℃.Very slightly soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLOURLESS TO LIGHT YELLOW LIQUID
Chemical Properties
Methyl thiocyanate is a colorless liquid.
Onion-like odor
Uses
Methyl thiocyanate is a reagent that is used in the synthesis of WAK 4103 (W498200), which is a metabolite of Imidacloprid (I274990), a neonicotinoid; the active ingredient in certain neuro-active insecticides. Reports show that when exposed to neonicotinid pesticides honeybees have probelms returnign home after foraging and bumblebee colonies grow poorly and produce fewer queens.Nauen, R., et. al.: Pestic. Sci., 55, 265 (1999); Chauzat, M., et al.: Env. Entomol., 38, 514 (2009); Patial, A., et al.: Env. Ecol., 27, 320 (2009); Fernandez-Bayo, J., et al.: J. Agric., Food Chem., 57, 5435 (2009); Tomizawa, M., et al.: J. Med. Chem., 52, 3735 (2009); Chem. and Eng. News 90: 10 (2012)
Definition
ChEBI: Methyl thiocyanate is a member of the class of thiocyanates, being the methyl ester of thiocyanic acid.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from oxidizers. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
