n-Propyl nitrate

Agent Name
n-Propyl nitrate
CAS Number
627-13-4
Formula
C3-H7-N-O3
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
n-Propyl nitrate formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
5 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
25 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
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.
Vapor Pressure
23.5 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
50 ppm
Lethal Concentration
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;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp

Adverse Effects

Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: