Chemical Name: Nitromethane

Trade Name: Sunoco Nitromethane

Chemical Family: Nitroparaffin

Formula: CH₃NO₂

Hazardous Ingredients:
Nitromethane

%by wt. > 98.0

CAS Reg. No.
75-52-5

Boiling point(cº):
101

specific gravity: 25/25ºc
1.124-1.129

vapor pressure: mm hg at 20ºc
27.3mm

percent volatile:
100%

vapor density:
2.1 (air=1)

evaporation rate:
139 n-butyl acetate=100

SOLUBILITY IN WATER: at 20ºC
10.5% by wt.

APPEARANCE AND ODOR:
clear liquid, mild characteristic odor.

FLASH POINT: 96ºF TCC

FLAMMABLE LIMITS:

LEL: %7.3

UEL: % no data

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Water spray, foam, CO_2, and only Triclass type ABC dry chemical extinguishers.

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:
Wet down tanks and containers to prevent rupture. Avoid breathing vapors.

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Can detonate by adiabatic compression.
Dry alkali or amine salts are explosive.

STABLE.

CONDITIONS TO AVOID:
Shock under heavy confinement.
Adiatatic compression.
Do not trap between closed valves or use positive displacement pumps to discharge nitromethane.

INCOMPATIBILITY (MATERIALS TO AVOID):

Lead, copper or their alloys; amines, strong alkalis, strong acids.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS

Oxides of carbon and nitrogen.

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION WILL NOT OCCUR.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED

Evacuate area and remove potential sources of spark or flame.
Properly protected personnel may then attempt to contain large spills and pump to salvage.
Absorb unrecoverable spills with an inert solid such as sand or earth.
Flush area with water.

DISPOSAL METHOD:
Incinerate, or bury in an approved sanitary landfill.

THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE
(PERMISSABLE EXPOSURE LIMIT):
100 ppm (TLV and PEL)

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE

Liquid:
Prolonged exposure can lead to mild irritation due to "defatting".
Only slightly toxic by ingestion.

Vapor:
Headache, nausea, vomiting, narcosis.
Extremely Irritating to eyes, burning sensation when close to a running Nitro Engine!
Warning: Chronic overexposure may cause liver and kidney damage.

EYE:
Nonirritating method: Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes.

SKIN:
Wash exposed skin with soap and water.
Launder clothing wet with NM before reuse.

INHALATION:
Remove to fresh air.
Call a physician, who may check for increased methemoglobin content.

INGESTION:
Induce vomiting by giving victim 2 glasses of water and having him place a finger down the throat.

VENTILATION:
General ventilation with local exhaust in areas of high vapor concentration.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Air-supplied respiration or self-contained breathing apparatus.
Do not use canister type face masks.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
Rubber gloves and aprons.

EYE PROTECTION:
Safety glasses.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORAGE:
Keep away from heat and flame. Keep container closed. Store only in original container. Protect from energy impacts.

SPECIAL COMMENTS: Use only with adequate ventilation.

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