Description
Six isomers of DNT exist, the most importantbeing 2,4-dinitrotoluene, an orange-yellow crystalline solid.Commercial grades of DNT typically consist of a mixtureof all 6 isomers, but mainly 2,4-DNT (7578%) and 2,6-DNT (1922%). Molecular weight, all isomers 5 182.15;Boiling point = 300℃; Freezing/Melting point = 70℃;Flash point = 207℃. Hazard Identification (based onNFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1(must be preheated to burn), Reactivity 3 (heat or shockmay cause detonation). Insoluble in water
Uses
In the production of toluene diisocyanate,
which is, in turn, used to produce
polyurethane foams; explosives; dyes
General Description
A yellow crystalline solid or an oily liquid consisting of the three isomers. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Toxic by skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
DINITROTOLUENE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, caustics, active metals, tin and zinc . Decomposes at 250°C. Prolonged heating below this temperature 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]. Reacts with oxidizing agents, caustics, nitric acid, reducing materials and metals such as zinc or tin. May react violently in the presence of a base or when heated to the boiling point. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubbers and coatings. .
Health Hazard
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen
with experimental tumorigenic and
teratogenic data. A poison. Experimental
reproductive effects. Mutation data
reported. Flammable. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.
See also 2,4-DINITROTOLUENE
Potential Exposure
Compound Description (mixture ofisomers, 25321-14-6): Tumorigen, Mutagen; ReproductiveEffector; (602-01-7) Tumorigen, Drug, Mutagen, PrimaryIrritant; (121-14-2) Tumorigen, Mutagen; ReproductiveEffector; Primary Irritant; (606-20-2) Tumorigen, Mutagen,Primary Irritant; (610-39-9) Mutagen, Primary Irritant.DNT is used in the preparation of polyurethane foams andmanufacture of toluene diisocyanate for the production ofpolyurethane plastics; in the production of military andcommercial explosives; to plasticize cellulose nitrate inexplosives, to moderate the burning rate of propellants andexplosives; in the manufacture of gelatin explosives; as awater-proofing coating for smokeless powders; as an intermediate in TNT manufacture; and in the manufacture ofazo dye intermediate
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Theformation of methemoglobin may be delayed; medicalobservation is recommended.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia.Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination of levels of methemoglobinemia in urine.
Carcinogenicity
The DNTs appear to cause mutations in
Salmonella typhimurium assays after metabolic
activation.12 In vivo 2,4-DNT causes unscheduled
DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes and
chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes;
both 2,4- and 2,6-DNT have induced
DNA adducts in rat liver.
All six isomers have been found to be nonirritating
in the eye of rabbits. Applied to the
skin of rabbits, 2,4-, 2,6-, and 3,5-DNT were
nonirritating whereas 2,3-, 3,4-, and 2,5-DNT
were mildly to moderately irritating.1
The 2003 ACGIH threshold limit valuetime-
weighted average (TLV-TWA) for
dinitrotoluene is 0.2mg/m3 (0.03ppm) with
an A3-confirmed animal carcinogen with
unknown relevance to humans designation and
a notation for skin absorption.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with dinitrotoluenes you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene must be stored to avoid contactwith strong oxidizers, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide,bromine, nitrates, and permanganates; caustics, such assodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; and chemicallyactive metals, such as tin or zinc, since violent reactionsoccur. Contact with strong oxidizers can cause fire or explosions. Also, striking it or dropping it may cause detonationand explosion. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from heat (temperatures above250℃). Sources of ignition, such as smoking and openflames, are prohibited where 2,4-dinitrotoluene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fireor explosion hazard. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of2,4-dinitrotoluene. Wherever 2,4-dinitrotoluene is used,handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. A regulated, marked areashould be established where this chemical is handled, used,or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.
Shipping
Dinitrotoluenes, solid or molten, require a shipping label of “POISONOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS.” Theyfall in DOT Hazard Class 6.1 and Packing Group II.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer and explosive. Dustforms explosive mixture with air. Heat forms corrosivenitrogen oxide fumes and may cause explosion.Commercial grades will decompose at 250℃/482°F, withself-sustaining decomposition at 280℃/536°F. Contact withother strong oxidizers, caustics, and reducing agents maycause fire and explosions. Contact with nitric acid forms anexplosive material. Contact with sodium oxide causes ignition. Not compatible with chemically active metals, such astin and zinc.
