o-Nitrotoluene

Synonyms

1-Methyl-2-nitrobenzene; 2-Methyl-1-nitrobenzene; 2-Methylnitrobenzene; 2-Nitrotoluene; 2-Nitrotoluol; Nitrotoluene, all isomers; ONT; Toluene, o-nitro-; o-Methylnitrobenzene; o-Nitrotoluene; o-Nitrotoluol; ortho-Nitrotoluol; [ChemIDplus] UN1664

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Yellow liquid with a weak, aromatic odor. [Note: A solid below 25 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in the production of dyes, pesticides, and rubber chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Nitrotoluenes (all isomers) have the potential to induce methemoglobinemia in the same manner as aniline and nitrobenzene. [ACGIH] Irritating to the eyes; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] Suspected germ cell mutagen (3B); [MAK]

Reference Link #1

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.

0.185 mm Hg

0.05 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 790 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards"; Flash point = 95 deg C; VP from HSDB;

must be preheated

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Probable (2a)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute