Nitromethane

Synonyms

Nitrocarbol; [NIOSH]

Category

Nitros, Aliphatic

Description

Colorless, oily liquid with a disagreeable odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a stabilizer of halogenated organic solvents, a rocket and racing fuel, an explosive, and a chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Also used as a solvent for cyanoacrylate adhesives, polymers, and waxes; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

The lethal oral dose in humans is between 0.5 and 5 g/kg. Nitromethane can cause respiratory irritation, narcosis, and possibly liver injury. Animals in subchronic inhalation studies suffer thyroid injury. [ACGIH] Not irritating to the skin; Can detonate under conditions of normal temperature and pressure; [CHEMINFO] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS depression; May cause effects on the liver, kidneys, and peripheral nervous system after repeated exposures; "Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with acids, bases, metal oxides, hydrocarbons and other combustible materials." [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

20 ppm

100 ppm

750 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statement by Browning [1965] that with concentrations above 1,000 ppm, if the product of this and the time of exposure was greater than 1000 (e.g., 1,000 ppm for 3 hours) some of the animals, including 1 monkey, died. Also, AIHA [1961] reported severe eye irritation at 500 ppm [Machle et al. 1940]. . . . Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

35.8 mm Hg

3.5 ppm

Odor Threshold High

100 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 12,750 mg/m3/1H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; Flash point = 95-96 deg F; [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

Sensorimotor

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

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, acute toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Working with Glues and Adhesives