Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate

Synonyms

4,4'-,2,4'-,2,2'-Diisocyanatodiphenylmethane; Diphenylmethane diisocyanate; Isocyanic acid, methylenediphenylene ester; Benzene, 1,1'-methylenebis(isocyanato-; Crude MDI; Generic MDI; Non-isomeric-specific MDI; [ChemIDplus] 1,1'-Methylenebis(isocyanatobenzene); 2,4'/4,4'-Diphenylmethandiisocyanat; Difenilmetanodiisocianato; Diphenylmetha-4,4'-diisocyanat; Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate and isomers; Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate; Isocyanic acid, methylenediphenylene ester; MDI; MDI-Gemisch; Methyldiphenyldiisocyanat; [IUCLID] Methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate); [Official Journal of the European Union] MONDUR ML; [Bayer Material Science MSDS] UN3082

Category

Diisocyanates

Description

Polymeric MDI: Dark amber viscous liquid; Pure 4,4'-MDI: White waxy solid; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report] Light to dark yellow liquid with a mild musty odor; mp = 15-20 deg C; [Bayer Material Science MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used in the furniture, car, shoe, carpet, refrigerators and freezers, textile, coatings, and construction industries; [IUCLID] Used primarily in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams; Other uses include coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, paints, footwear, (semi) flexible and thermoplastic polyurethane foams, polyurethane fibers, and to make particle board and foundry mould cores; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report]

Comments

This CAS refers not only to isomeric mixtures but also all the specific isomers including those with unique CAS numbers; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis reported from occupational exposure; Long term occupational inhalation exposure has demonstrated decreased ventilatory function and respiratory symptoms even at levels below current guidelines; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report] Causes contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219] Reacts slowly with water evolving carbon dioxide; An irritant; May cause skin and respiratory sensitization; Inhalation overexposure may cause bronchitis, bronchial spasm, and pulmonary edema; [Bayer Material Science MSDS] See "Methylene bisphenyl isocyanate."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

4E-06 mm Hg

0.4 ppm

3.125 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 369 mg/m3/4hr

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from IUCLID; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Other regulated substances, liquid, n.o.s."

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Contact urticaria
• Isocyanate HP

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Molding and Core Making
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives