Diazomethane
Agent Name
Diazomethane
CAS Number
334-88-3
Formula
C-H2-N2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Acomethylene; Azimethylene; Diazirine; Diazomethane; Diazonium methylide; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Other Nitrogen Compounds
Description
Yellow gas with a musty odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Diazomethane is used as a methylating agent for acidic compounds. An explosive, it is not manufactured for distribution. [ACGIH] "Because of its toxicity and its explosive nature, diazomethane is freshly prepared in situ and used in solution of ether or dioxane." [ICSC]
Comments
Toxicity in experimental animals resembles that of phosgene. [ACGIH] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; May cause asthma after repeated or prolonged exposures; [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
0.2 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
0.2 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
2 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
The only available acute inhalation toxicity data concerning diazomethane is the statement by Patty [1963] that a 10minute exposure to 175 ppm was lethal for cats [Flury and Zernik 1931]. This concentration is obviously too high for an IDLH. ACGIH [1971] reported that the toxicity of diazomethane seems comparable to that of phosgene. Therefore, the chosen IDLH is based on an analogy with phosgene, which has an IDLH of 2 ppm.
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (cats) = 175 ppm/10M
Reference Link #2
Adverse Effects
Asthma
Yes
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
ACGIH Carcinogen
Suspected Human
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: