2-Methylimidazole
Agent Name
2-Methylimidazole
CAS Number
693-98-1
Formula
C4-H6-N2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
1H-Imidazole, 2-methyl-; Imidazole, 2-methyl-; [ChemIDplus] 2MI; [HSDB]
Category
Imidazoles
Description
Solid; [HSDB] Colorless solid; [NTP] Crystalline solid; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used to make pharmaceuticals, photographic and photothermographic chemicals, dyes, pigments, agricultural chemicals, and rubber; Also used in epoxy resin systems for semiconductor potting compounds and soldering masks, as dyeing auxiliary for acrylic fibers and plastic foams, and in polymers such as epoxy resin pastes and acrylic rubber-fluororubber; [HSDB] Present in caramel coloring, tobacco smoke, wine, soy sauce, and other foods; Also formed when ammonia is added to livestock feed to increase nutritional value; Used in various polymers including acrylic rubber-fluororubber laminates, films, adhesives, textile finishes, and epoxy silane coatings; [NTP]
Comments
Causes neurological effects including convulsions and tremors in livestock and experimental animals; Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations, anemia, and testicular degeneration observed in studies of rodents; [NTP] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; Toxic by ingestion; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "4-Methylimidazole."
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.015 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
Vapor pressure = 0.00069 mm Hg at 25 deg C; [HSDB] VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: