Methyl nitrite
Agent Name
Methyl nitrite
CAS Number
624-91-9
Formula
C-H3-N-O2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Nitrous acid, methyl ester; [ChemIDplus] UN2455
Category
Nitrates and Nitrites
Description
A liquid or gas; [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
Used to synthesize nitrite and nitroso esters and as a rocket propellant; [HSDB]
Comments
Caused methemoglobinemia in two workers at a phenylpropanolamine production plant; [Abstract in PubMed and NIOSHTIC # 197071] Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; [CAMEO]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
BEI
Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 176 ppm/4h
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is primary toxic effect
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: