o-Nitrochlorobenzene

Synonyms

1-Chloro-2-nitrobenzene; 1-Nitro-2-chlorobenzene; 2-Chloro-1-nitrobenzene; 2-Chloronitrobenzene; 2-Nitrochlorobenzene; ONCB; o-Chloronitrobenzene; o-Nitrochlorobenzene; [ChemIDplus] UN1578

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Yellow crystals with an aromatic odor; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

"Used as an intermediate in the manufacture of o-aminophenol (used as a developer in the photography industry); [HDSB]

Comments

Crystals may cause severe skin burns. [HSDB] Listed in a table of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] "In the United Kingdom between 1961 and 1980, chloroaniline, p-toluidine, nitrobenzene, and nitrochlorobenzene were the most common industrial causes of methemoglobinemia. Dermal exposure was a more frequent route of toxicity than inhalation with these compounds." (Ellenhorn, M.J. and D.G. Barceloux. Medical Toxicology - Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1988.) Can cause methemoglobinemia after acute exposure and anemia and liver damage after chronic exposure; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or end of shift

0.018 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 3,200 mg/m3/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 127 deg C; VP from HSDB;

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute