Tetryl

Agent Name
Tetryl
Alternative Name
N-Methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline
CAS Number
479-45-8
Formula
C7-H5-N5-O8
Major Category
Other Uses
Tetryl formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Nitramine; 2,4,6-Tetryl; 2,4,6-Trinitrophenyl-N-methylnitramine; N-Methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline; [NIOSH]
Category
Explosives
Description
Colorless to yellow, odorless, crystalline solid; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Not produced commercially in the USA; used as an explosive detonator; [HSDB]
Comments
Tetryl stains the skin yellow and causes skin sensitization. Severe, prolonged exposures may cause liver injury. [HSDB] "Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma." [ICSC]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
1.5 mg/m3
PEL (OSHA)
1.5 mg/m3
IDLH (NIOSH)
750 mg/m3
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: Tetryl is highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and may cause severe upper respiratory tract irritation with coughing and epistaxis; heavy airborne exposures may also cause liver damage [Hardy and Maloof 1950]. No systemic poisoning was noted following chronic exposure to 1.5 mg/m3, other than some skin sensitization [Bergman 1952].
Vapor Pressure
1.2E-07 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from HSDB;
Reference Link #2

Adverse Effects

Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Asthma
Yes
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: