Propylnitrat

Nitrogen Compounds -> Nitrates and Nitrites

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

1.06 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.0538 @ 20 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.05

1.054 @ 20°C

1.07

Slight (NIOSH, 2024)

Soluble in alcohol and ether.

In water, 3,290 mg/L @ 25 °C

Solubility in water: poor

Slight

68 °F (USCG, 1999)

20 °C

Flash point: 20 °C ( closed cup)

20 °C c.c.

68 °F

231 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

110 °C

110 °C

110.5 °C @760 [mm Hg]

231 °F

less than -150 °F (USCG, 1999)

-100 °C

-148 °F

Odor Threshold Low: 50.0 [ppm]

The odor of /propyl nitrate/ is "presumably detectable at concentration levels of 50 ppm and above."

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P319, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P270, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P317, P308+P316, P321, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

n-Propyl nitrate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic gases and vapors, such as oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, may be released in a fire. (USCG, 1999)

· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances. Explosive.

Exposure can cause anoxia and cyanosis. Other effects are weakness, dizziness, and severe headaches. (USCG, 1999)

CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas.

Induces methemoglobinemia in experimental animals at high concentrations; Methemoglobinemia is unlikely in workers because lower concentrations provoke nausea, headache and avoidance of irritating effects; [ACGIH] n-Propyl nitrate is in the ACGIH list of Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC]

1865 128

1865 131

Organonitrates, such as N-PROPYL NITRATE, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive. Contact with either strong oxidizers or with combustibles may cause fires and explosions.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Propyl nitrate:

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a measured water solubility of 3,290 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that n-propyl nitrate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-propyl nitrate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.27X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(2). The potential for volatilization of n-propyl nitrate from dry soil surfaces may exist based upon a vapor pressure of 23.5 mm Hg(4). No data were located regarding the biodegradation of n-propyl nitrate(SRC); however, biodegradation data for nitroglycerin suggest that alkyl nitrates may undergo biodegradation under acclimated conditions(5,6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a water solubility of 3,290 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that n-propyl nitrate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.27X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(2). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). Although n-propyl nitrate is not expected to undergo hydrolysis readily, it may photolyze under conditions of sunlit surface water based on photolysis half-lives ranging from approximately 8 to 40 days(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 5(SRC), from the measured water solubility(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). No data were located regarding the biodegradation of n-propyl nitrate(SRC); however, biodegradation data for nitroglycerin suggest that alkyl nitrates may biodegrade in water under acclimated conditions(6,7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-propyl nitrate, which has a vapor pressure of 23.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-propyl nitrate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 22 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.3X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Based upon its UV cross section, the direct photolysis half-life of n-propyl nitrate has been estimated to range from about 8 to 40 days depending upon the angle and intensity of the sun(4).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Confusion. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.

In Animals: irritation eyes, skin; methemoglobinemia, anoxia, cyanosis; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness, headache

The Koc for n-propyl nitrate can be estimated to be 40(SRC)using a measured water solubility of 3,290 mg/L(1) and a regression-derived equation(2) According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that n-propyl nitrate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

RURAL/REMOTE: n-Propyl nitrate was measured at a rural site in Ontario, Canada at an average concn of about 5 parts per trillion in 1990(1). n-Propyl nitrate was identified, not quantified, in the atmosphere over the western Pacific Ocean (43 deg N, 150 deg E and 4 deg N 113 deg E) in 1994(2). n-Propyl nitrate was measured at two rural sites in Germany at concns ranging from 1 to 20 parts per trillion in 1988(3). n-Propyl nitrate was detected in the atmosphere of the Islands of Hawaii at concns of 0.30 to 0.55 parts per trillion(4).

n-Propyl nitrate's former production and use as a rocket fuel(1) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Alkyl nitrates, including n-propyl nitrate, are commonly formed in the atmosphere through the reaction of the alkyl peroxy radical (generated by the reaction of alkanes with hydroxyl radicals) and nitric oxide(2).

No data were located regarding the biodegradation of n-propyl nitrate or other low molecular weight alkyl nitrates(SRC). Nitroglycerin (1,2,3-propanetriol, trinitrate) was completely biodegraded in 13 days using river water and river water/sediment microcosms obtained from a river near a munitions facility in Virginia(1). Nitroglycerin was also biodegraded about 53% in five days using an activated sludge inoculum in a shake flask test that was run at 30 °C(2). These results suggest that alkyl nitrates may undergo biodegradation under acclimated conditions(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 5 was calculated for n-propyl nitrate(SRC), using a measured water solubility of 3,290 mg/L(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for n-propyl nitrate is 1.27X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-propyl nitrate is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 2 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). n-Propyl nitrate's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of n-propyl nitrate from dry soil surfaces may exist based upon a vapor pressure of 23.5 mm Hg(3).

Used to promote fuel ignition and to synthesize organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Has been tested as a fuel ignition promoter and as a liquid rocket monopropellant but is no longer used for these purposes.

...As organic intermediate.