n-Propyl nitrate

Synonyms

Monopropyl nitrate; Nitrate de propyle normal [French]; Nitric acid, propyl ester; Propyl nitrate; Propylester kyseliny dusicne [Czec]; [ChemIDplus] UN1865

Category

Nitrates and Nitrites

Description

Colorless to straw-colored liquid with an ether-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to promote fuel ignition and to synthesize organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Induces methemoglobinemia in experimental animals at high concentrations; Methemoglobinemia is unlikely in workers because lower concentrations provoke nausea, headache and avoidance of irritating effects; [ACGIH] n-Propyl nitrate is in the ACGIH list of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity" A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

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

Insufficient data

5 ppm

25 ppm

500 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH The chosen IDLH is based on the statement by ACGIH [1971] that the dog 4­hour LC50 is 2,000 to 2,500 ppm [Rinehart et al. 1958]. . . . Human data None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

23.5 mm Hg

50 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 5,816 ppm/4H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards"; Flash point = 20 deg C; VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute