DIMETHYLANILINE

Description

There are six xylidine isomers. Xylidine,mixed isomers (principally made up of 2,4-, 2,5-, and 2,6-isomers), is a pale yellow to brown liquid with a weak,aromatic amine odor. The odor threshold is 0.056 ppm.Molecular weight=121.20; Specific gravity (H2O:1) =0.98 at 25℃; Boiling point (mixed isomers) =213-226℃;Freezing/Melting point=236℃; Vapor pressure =<1 mmHg at 25℃; Flash point (2,6-isomer)= 91℃;(mixed isomers) 96.7℃. Explosive limits (2,6-isomer):LEL =1.0%; UEL—unknown. Hazard Identification (basedon NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1,Reactivity 0. Insoluble in water.

Chemical properties

Liquid. Slightly soluble inwater; soluble in alcohol and ether. Combustible.

Chemical properties

There are six xylidine isomers. Xylidine, mixed isomers (principally made up of 2,4-, 2,5-, and 2,6-isomers) is a pale yellow to brown liquid with a weak, aromatic amine odor.

The Uses of DIMETHYLANILINE

Chiefly in the manufacture of dyes.

The Uses of DIMETHYLANILINE

Chemical intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, synthetic resins, and fragrances.

Definition

A varying mixture of isomers (2,3-; 2,4-; 2,5-; 2,6-).

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Liver damage. Methemoglobinemia. Possible carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Xylidine causes liver damage in experimental animals and is a mild methemoglobin former; it caused tumors of the nasal cavity in rats. There are six isomeric forms of xylidenes with the commercial product consisting primarily of the 2,4- and 2,6-isomers.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen. Poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. This material, which so closely resembles aniline in the character of its toxic effects, is actually twice as toxic as aniline. It can cause injury to the blood and the liver. It does not necessarily give any alarm or warning, such as cyanosis, headache, and duziness, whch characterize aniline poisoning. Thus, it may be considered a more insidious poison than aniline, and severe and possibly fatal intoxication may come about through skin absorption. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also ANILINE and other xylidme entries.

Potential Exposure

Xylidines are used in dyestuff manufacture; as intermediates in the manufacture of pesticides, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, and other organic com pounds.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, getmedical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia. Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination oflevels of methemoglobin in urine. If symptoms of seriouscyanosis develop, methylene blue may be given as anantidote (by a trained medical person only), over 5 min.Repeat in 1 h if not improving. 100% oxygen can be givenonly by a trained person.

Carcinogenicity

The IARC has determined that there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of 2,6-xylidine in experimental animals and inadequate evidence in humans.5 Overall, 2,6- xylidine is considered possibly carcinogenic to humans. In genotoxic assays, 2,6-xylidine induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in cultured mammalian cells but did not induce micronuclei in the bone marrow of mice treated in vivo; conflicting results have been reported in the Salmonella typhimurium assay.

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosiveconcentration does not exist. Xylidine must be stored toavoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as bromine,chlorine, or fluorine) since violent reactions occur. Contactwith hypochlorite bleaches may form explosive chloroamines. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry,well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drums mustbe equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuumbungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof this chemical. A regulated, marked area should beestablished where this chemical is handled, used, or storedin compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.

Shipping

UN1711/Xylidines, solid or liquid, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

Vapor may form explosive mixture with air. Contact with hypo chlorite salts and bleaches form explosive chloroamines. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. A chemical base: Will neutralize acids to form salts plus water with an exothermic reaction. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated by amines in combination with strong reducing agents such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides.

Waste Disposal

Incineration; oxides of nitrogen are removed from the effluent gas by scrubber, catalytic, or thermal device.