NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Nitromethane

CAS
75-52-5

CH3NO2

RTECS
PA9800000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Nitrocarbol
DOT ID & Guide
1261 / 129

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: See Appendix D
OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3)
IDLH
750 ppm See: 75525
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.50 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless, oily liquid with a disagreeable odor.
MW: 61.0
BP: 214°F
FRZ: -20°F
Sol: 10%
VP: 28 mmHg
IP: 11.08 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.14
Fl.P: 95°F
UEL: ?
LEL: 7.3%

Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Amines; strong acids, alkalis & oxidizers; hydrocarbons & other combustible materials; metallic oxides [Note: Slowly corrodes steel & copper when wet.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2527
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
OSHA
Up to 750 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Dermatitis; in animals: irritation eyes, respiratory system; convulsions, narcosis; liver damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, central nervous system, liver
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0522