m-Nitrotoluene

Synonyms

1-Methyl-3-nitrobenzene; 3-Methylnitrobenzene; 3-Nitrotoluene; 3-Nitrotoluol; Nitrotoluene, all isomers; Toluene, m-nitro-; m-Methylnitrobenzene; m-Nitrotoluene; m-Nitrotoluol; meta-Nitrotoluol; [ChemIDplus] UN1664

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Yellow liquid with a weak, aromatic odor. [Note: A solid below 59 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

The meta isomer is not commercially significant; [ACGIH]

Comments

Nitrotoluenes (all isomers) have the potential to induce methemoglobinemia in the same manner as aniline and nitrobenzene. [ACGIH] Can induce methemoglobinemia; A mild skin and eye irritant; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]

Yes

2 ppm

5 ppm

200 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for revised IDLH: Based on acute oral toxicity data in animals [Back et al. 1972; Vasilerko et al. 1978] and an analogy to nitrobenzene [Linch 1974] which has an IDLH of 200 ppm, the original IDLH for nitrotoluene (200 ppm) is not being revised at this time.

0.1 mm Hg

0.05 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 693 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards"; Flash point = 106 deg C; VP from HSDB;

must be preheated

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute