Uses
Ethyl isocyanate is part of a group of isocyanates that react with primary and secondary amines to form urea derivatives and carbamates. Ethyl isocyanate (among other isocyanate compounds, such as toluene isocyanate) are also thought to be the most common cause of occupational asthma.
Chemical Properties
Ethyl Isocyanate is a clear, colorless liquid
with a pungent odor.
Uses
Pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediate.
Uses
Ethyl isocyanate is part of a group of isocyanates that react with primary and secondary amines to form urea derivatives and carbamates. Ethyl isocyanate (among other isocyanate compounds, such as toluene isocyanate) are also thought to be the most common cause of occupational asthma.
Definition
ChEBI: An isocyanate having an ethyl group attached to the nitrogen.
General Description
A colorless liquid. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Flash point below 30°F. May irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be lethal by Inhalation . Used to make pharmaceuticals and pesticides.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. Ethyl isocyanate may react with water to produce a corrosive liquid and carbon dioxide gas.
Reactivity Profile
When heated to decomposition Ethyl isocyanate emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1572].
Hazard
Strong irritant to tissue.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Bromoacetates and chloroacetates are extremely irritating/lachrymators. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will 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
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Safety Profile
Poison by intravenous
route. Mutation data reported. A flammable
liquid. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also
CYANATES.
Potential Exposure
Ethyl isocyanate is used to make pharmaceuticals and pesticides
Shipping
UN2481 Ethyl isocyanate, Hazard class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard, 3-Flammable liquid,
Inhalation Hazard Zone A. Cylinders must be transported
in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck.
Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The
owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity
allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill
them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill
compressed gas cylinders without the express written
permission of the owner.
Purification Methods
Fractionate the isocyanate through an efficient column preferably in an inert atmosphere and store it in aliquots in sealed tubes [Bieber J Am Chem Soc 74 4700 1952, Slocombe et al. J Am Chem Soc 72 1888 1950]. [Beilstein 4 IV 402.]
Incompatibilities
Vapor may form explosive mixture with
air. May form explosive mixture with air. Isocyanates are
highly flammable and reactive with many compounds, even
with themselves. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Reaction with moist air, water or alcohols may form
amines and insoluble polyureas and react exothermically,
releasing toxic, corrosive or flammable gases, including
carbon dioxide; and, at the same time, may generate a violent release of heat increasing the concentration of fumes
in the air. Incompatible with amines, aldehydes, alkali
metals, ammonia, carboxylic acids, caprolactum, alkaline
materials, glycols, ketones, mercaptans, hydrides, organotin
catalysts, phenols, strong acids, strong bases, strong
reducing agents such as hydrides, urethanes, and ureas.
Elevated temperatures or contact with acids, bases, tertiary
amines, and acyl-chlorides may cause explosive polymerization. Contact Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings.
Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen
gas. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may
cause ignition of its vapors.
