2,4-Dinitrotoluene

Synonyms

1-Methyl-2,4-dinitrobenzene; 2,4-DNT; 2,4-Dinitro-1-methylbenzene; 2,4-Dinitromethylbenzene; 2,4-Dinitrotoluene; 2,4-Dinitrotoluol; 4-Methyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene; Toluene, 2,4-dinitro-; Benzene, 1-methyl-2,4-dinitro-; [ChemIDplus] UN3454; UN1600 (molten)

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Yellow solid; [ICSC] Yellow to red solid; Yellow liquid when heated; [CHRIS]

Sources/Uses

Used to make dyes, explosives, munitions, propellants, rubber chemicals, plastics, and other chemicals; [HSDB] The technical grade (approximately 80/20 of the 2,4/2,6 isomers) is used primarily as an intermediate for toluene diamines and diisocyanates; [IARC]

Comments

Can induce methemoglobinemia; Can be absorbed through skin; [ICSC] A mucous membrane irritant; May cause methemoglobinemia; [HSDB] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in a worker manufacturing explosives and exposed to 2,4-dinitrotoluene and nitroglycerin; [Kanerva, p. 1788] Chronic exposure may cause liver injury, anemia, and neuritis; [CHRIS] Equivocal evidence for human reproductive toxicity; [ToxPlanet: DOE] No evidence of teratogenicity in rats or mice at doses maternally toxic; A decrease in sperm positive females was observed in a study of rats when males were dosed at 240 mg/kg/day; [REPROTOX] See "Dinitrotoluene, all isomers."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

0.000147 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Dinitrotoluenes, solid." VP from ChemIDplus;

must be preheated

Yes

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

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

Possible (2b)

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic