Nitroethane

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. 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. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer immediately 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.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

Flashback along vapor trail may occur.

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx).

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

10.0 [ppm]

Fire extinguishing agents not to be used: water may be ineffective. "alcohol" foam is not effective.

Fight fires from a location safe from explosions. Use water with unmanned monitors and hoseholders to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Fires which containers are not exposed, use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for NITROETHANE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Storage Recommendations: Detached storage preferred. Separate from other flammables and oxidizing materials.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material, and deposit in sealed containers.

After covering the spill with soda ash, mix and spray with water.

Spill or Leak Procedures: Eliminate all ignition sources. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

Accidental Release Measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Beware of vapours accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapours can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity 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 and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

For small quantities, absorb on paper towels & burn in suitable combustion chamber which allows burning in an unconfined condition & is equipped with appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. Large quantities ... may be disposed o by diluting with fuel oil & by atomizing in suitable combustion chamber.

Incineration: large quantities of material may require nitrogen oxide removal by catalytic or scrubbing processes.

Waste treatment methods. Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

When 3 consecutive generations of Swiss mice were exposed to a mixture of 7.8 ppm diethylhydroxylamine and 11.5 ppm nitroethane for 8.25 hr/day from conception to sexual maturity, no statistically significant differences in any of the litter sizes were found. Furthermore, there were no increases in embryotoxicity or terata in the second and third generations.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 20(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that nitroethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Some adsorption may occur in high organic-content peat or clay(3,4). Volatilization of nitroethane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 4.76X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(5). Nitroethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 20.8 mm Hg at 25 °C(6). Limited biodegradation data suggest that nitroethane may biodegrade under aerobic conditions but not under anaerobic conditions(SRC). Mineralization of nitroethane reached 23.9% in five days using an activated sludge inoculum, but less than 1% of the initial nitroethane was biodegraded in 28 days using the closed bottle test(7). In anaerobic soil, nitroethane was not biodegraded over a 35 day period(7). Nitroethane is expected to undergo direct photolysis on soil surfaces exposed to sunlight(SRC) based on 76.1-83% degradation within 24 hours measured during photodegradation tests(8,9).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 20(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that nitroethane 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 4.76X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 18 hrs and 8 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), a BCF of 1 measured in fish (golden orfe)(6), suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Limited biodegradation data suggest that nitroethane may biodegrade under aerobic conditions but not under anaerobic conditions(SRC). Mineralization of nitroethane reached 23.9% in five days using an activated sludge inoculum, but less than 1% of the initial nitroethane was biodegraded in 28 days using the closed bottle test(6). In anaerobic soil, nitroethane was not biodegraded over a 35 day period(6). Nitroethane is expected to undergo direct photolysis at water surfaces exposed to sunlight(SRC) based on 76.1-83% degradation within 24 hours measured during photodegradation tests(7,8). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), nitroethane, which has a vapor pressure of 20.8 mm Hg at 25 deg(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase nitroethane 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 110 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.50X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Nitroethane is expected to undergo direct photolysis in the atmosphere based on 76.1-83% degradation within 24 hours measured during photodegradation tests(4,5).

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

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Nitroethane is a colorless oily liquid. It is used as solvent, artificial fingernail glue remover; in organic syntheses. It is also used experimentally as liquid propellant. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Adverse effects resulting from human exposure to nitroethane have been primarily through accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover products by children. Methemoglobinemia results from accidental oral exposure and can be successfully treated with iv methylene blue therapy. Because methemoglobinemia may be delayed, individuals who ingest nitroethane should be monitored closely for at lease 24 hours after ingestion. if nitroethane is spilled on clothing and allowed to remain, it may cause smarting and reddening of skin. If inhaled will cause coughing or difficult breathing. Liquid: if swallowed will cause nausea and vomiting. Inhalation causes moderate irritation of respiratory tract. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. ANIMAL STUDIES: Nitroethane was considered less toxic to rats ip or by inhalation than 1- and 2-nitropropanes. Even in cases of acute intoxication, only low levels of methemoglobin were induced by nitroethane. The 2 year study in male and female rats found no biologically significant effects of nitroethane exposure on organ weights, and no significant difference in the nonneoplastic or neoplastic pathology related to exposure to nitroethane. Developmental study in mice found no effect on the dams and there was no evidence of nitroethane-induced terata, variation in sex ratio, embryotoxicity or inhibition of fetal growth and development. Negative results were obtained from studies of nitroethane in Salmonella typhimurium/mammalian microsome (Ames) test (with and without microsomal activation), and in an in vivo mutagenic (micronucleus) test.

Cough. Sore throat. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Sore throat. Abdominal pain. Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Further see Inhalation.

dermatitis; In Animals: lacrimation (discharge of tears); dyspnea (breathing difficulty), pulmonary rales, edema; liver, kidney injury; narcosis

EPA has released the first beta version (version 0.5) of the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The beta version of the iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays; See the data in Chemical Explorer/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of June 27, 2014: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from, as of October 22, 2014: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=79-24-3]

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of nitroethane can be estimated to be 20(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that nitroethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil. However, laboratory studies indicate that nitroethane may adsorb to some soil types(SRC). Using a high organic-content peat as a model for soil organic matter, nitroethane had a vapor sorption of nearly 80 mg vapor uptake/g dry peat at a relative pressure of 0.3 at 24 °C over a 2 to 3 week period; at a relative pressure of 1, a partition capacity of 272 mg/g peat was calculated(3). The nitro group of nitroethane may promote hydrogen bonding to clay and the polarity of the molecule may also allow hydrophilic-coordinative adsorption(4).

Nitroethane was evaluated for chronic inhalation toxicity in groups of 25 male and 18 female Long Evans Hooded rats exposed to atmospheric concentrations of 0 (control) and 10 +/- 1 ppm, 12 hours/day, 6 days/week for a total of 855 hours. At 3 months, 2 each male and female, treated and control rats were given hematological and blood chemistry tests, and were then sacrificed for evaluation of gross or histological changes related to treatment. Other than insignificant depressions in hemoglobin in treated male and female rats and hematocrit in treated males relative to controls, no clinical findings were reported in exposed rats. Blood chemistry determinations for treated rats were comparable to controls at 3-month evaluation. Upon necropsy, a solitary hemangioendothelioma metastasized to regional lymph nodes was observed in a solitary treated male. This observation, unprecedented in historical controls, prompted further investigation of remaining animals with subsequent examinations at 977 hours and again at 1203 hours. No further tumors were noted, however study authors expressed concern relative to this solitary occurrence in a treated rat and plans for study of chronic inhalation exposure to 20 ppm in rats.

Nitroethane was evaluated for dermal absorption and systemic elimination in 2 adult female rhesus monkeys administered single dermal 4.9% 14C-nitroethane applications in 300 ul and 230 ul ether/ethanol solutions, respectively. Treatment applied to 20 cm x cm intact dermal sites under occluded patch was removed 12 hours later and unabsorbed radioactivity in the occlusive patch and cleansing materials was assayed. Blood samples, urine and feces were collected during the 72 hours following treatment and were assayed for radioactivity, as were excised application sites and the adjacent (1 cm) skin and subcutaneous fat tissues at 72 hours. Both treated and untreated skin samples were examined histologically. No overt toxicity including dermal irritation was reported in either animal. Feed and water ingestion were normal throughout 72-hour post-treatment observation and bodyweights remained static. Of the total dose, an average 0.117% or 16.20 ug nitroethane was recovered in excreta within 72 hours of which 77.2% was in collected urine and 22.8% was in fecal samples. The majority (91.4%) of urine radioactivity was collected 48 hours after treatment. Average maximal blood concentrations (41.3 ppb and 16.5 ppb) were attained for respective monkeys at 40 minutes and 1 hour post-treatment. At 4 hours, all traces of radioactivity were gone from the blood. Negligible amounts of the dermal nitroethane doses were recovered in excised skin (0.029%) and subcutaneous fat (far below 0.001%) at 72 hours. The soap/water and acetone swabs from 12-hour cleansing of dermal applications contained 0.021% of the total nitroethane doses and 0.041% was recovered in the occlusive patch. Study authors noted a marked loss (99.79% average in 2 monkeys) of the total nitroethane dose, likely attributable to a very high volatility of the test material and despite an occluded application. Additionally, these data did not account for exhaled radioactivity (nitroethane or the volatile metabolites). These criteria did, however, establish low dermal absorption under the conditions of this study.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Adverse effects resulting from human exposure to nitroethane have been primarily through accidental ingestion of artificial nail remover products by children. Methemoglobinemia results from accidental oral exposure and can be successfully treated with iv methylene blue therapy. Because methemoglobinemia may be delayed, individuals who ingest nitroethane should be monitored closely for at least 24 hours after ingestion.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Liquid or solid ... if spilled on clothing and allowed to remain, may cause smarting and reddening of skin.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ If inhaled will cause coughing or difficult breathing. Liquid: if swallowed will cause nausea and vomiting. Inhalation causes moderate irritation of resp tract. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ...Exposure typically results in /nervous system disturbances/.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for NITROETHANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Nitroethane's production and use as a solvent (for chemicals, resins, printing inks and other applications), as a chemical intermediate (for biocides, surfactants and plasticizers) and in blasting agents and rocket fuels(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Nitroethane occurs in cigarette smoke(3).

The following chemicals have been specifically designated by the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration as the listed chemicals subject to the provisions of this part and parts 1309 and 1313 of this chapter. Each chemical has been assigned the DEA Chemical Code Number set forth opposite it. Nitroethane (DEA Code: 6724) is included on this list.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Nitroethane is included on this list. Effective date: 4/13/89?; Sunset date: 12/19/95.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Nitroethane is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.