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2-Nitropropane
Description: 2-Nitropropane (CAS #79-46-9) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, fruity odor. It is available in the United States in at least two commercial grades, one of which is a mixture with 1-nitropropane. It is used principally as a solvent and chemical intermediate. As a solvent, it is used in inks, paints, adhesives, varnishes, polymers, and synthetic materials. It is a feedstock for the manufacture of 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. Chemical properties: 2-Nitropropane is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and miscible with many organic solvents. It is flammable when exposed to heat, open flame, or oxidizers; when heated in liquid or vapor form, it may explode. It has violent reactions with chlorosulfonic acid and oleum. It is incompatible or reactive with amines, strong acids, alkalis and oxidizers, metal oxides, and combustible materials. Synonyms for 2-nitropropane are dimethylnitromethane, sec-nitropropane, iso-nitropropane, 2-NP, and nitroisopropane. Identification: Health effects: 2-Nitropropane is classified as a substance, which may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen, according to the Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens, published by the National Toxicology Program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The primary routes of potential human exposure to 2-nitropropane are inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. It can cause gastrointestinal disturbances and injury to liver and kidneys. Large doses produce ethemoglobinemia and cyanosis. Exposure can cause headaches, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation to the respiratory system. Potential occupational exposure to 2-nitropropane occurs during its manufacture and formulation in industrial construction and maintenance, printing, highway maintenance, and food packaging. Exposure Values: Economics: U.S. manufacturers of 2-nitropropane are ANGUS Chemical Co, Sterlington, LA and W R Grace & Co, Deer Park, TX. Regulation: OSHA regulates 2-nitropropane under the Hazard Communication Standard and as a chemical hazard in laboratories. EPA regulates 2-nitropropane under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund); Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates 2-nitropropane as a food additive and has proposed prohibiting its use in human food or in packaging in contact with food. Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, releases of more than one pound of 2-nitropropane into the air, water, and land must be reported annually and entered into the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Toxics Release Inventory Information See EPA's Toxic Release Inventory.
Notations: The NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs) are time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. A short-term exposure limit (STEL) is designated by "ST" preceding the value; unless noted otherwise, the STEL is a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday. A ceiling REL is designated by "C" preceding the value. Any substance that NIOSH considers to be a potential occupational carcinogen is designated by the notation "Ca." The OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL) are found in Tables Z-1, Z-2, and Z-3 of the OSHA General Industry Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000). Unless noted otherwise, PEL are TWA concentrations that must not be exceeded during any 8-hour workshift of a 40-hour workweek. A STEL is designated by "ST" preceding the value and is measured over a 15-minute period unless noted otherwise. OSHA ceiling concentrations (designated by "C" preceding the value) must not be exceeded during any part of the workday; if instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, the ceiling must be assessed as a 15-minute TWA exposure. In addition, there are a number of substances from Table Z-2 (e.g., beryllium, ethylene dibromide, etc.) that have PEL ceiling values that must not be exceeded except for specified excursions. For example, a "5-minute maximum peak in any 2 hours" means that a 5-minute exposure above the ceiling value, but never above the maximum peak, is allowed in any 2 hours during an 8-hour workday. Information Sources:
Originally published in Environment Writer by the National Safety Council. Reprinted with permission. Environment Writer Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography Office of Marine Programs Narragansett, RI 02882 Tel: 401-874-6211; Fax: 401-874-6485 Disclaimer * Copyright 2002-2006 * All rights reserved. * University of Rhode Island |