Xylidine, mixed isomers

Synonyms

Dimethylaminobenzene; Aminodimethylbenzene; Benzenamine, ar,ar-dimethyl-; Dimethylaminobenzene; Dimethylphenylamine; Xilidine [Italian]; Xylidine [Italian]; Xylidine isomers; Xylidine mixed ortho-meta-para isomers; Xylidinen [Dutch]; [ChemIDplus] UN1711

Category

Amines, Aromatic

Description

Pale-yellow to brown liquid with a weak, aromatic, amine-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to produce dyes, drugs, and organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Studies of experimental animals exposed at 45 ppm, 7 hours/day, 5 days a week for as long as 44 weeks showed liver injury in all animal species and methemoglobinemia in cats, dogs, and mice. No published reports on reproductive toxicity or occupational intoxications; Listed in the table "Examples of Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is NOT the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] IARC classifies 2,6-xylidene as a possible human carcinogen. 2,4-xylidene and 2,5-xylidene are "not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans." [IARC] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause methemoglobinemia, lowering of consciousness, and may have effects on the kidneys and liver; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

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

Yes

0.5 ppm, inhalable fraction and vapor

5 ppm

50 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the mouse 7­hour LC50 of 149 ppm [von Oettingen et al. 1947 cited by ACGIH 1971]. . . . Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH;

0.138 mm Hg

0.005 ppm

LC50 (mice) = 149 ppm/7 hr

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; Flash point = 206 deg F; VP less than 1 mmHg; [CAMEO]

must be preheated

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Confirmed Animal

Other Information

No other related information on this agent was found.