Substance profile
2,6-Dinitrotoluene
2,6-Dinitrotoluene is yellow rhombic crystals with a slight odor.
01 · Identification
What 2,6-Dinitrotoluene is
2,6-Dinitrotoluene is yellow rhombic crystals with a slight odor. Its molecular formula is C7H6N2O4 and its molecular weight is 182.13 g/mol. It boils at 285 °C, melts at 66 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P313, P314, P330, P352, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,6-Dinitrotoluene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 285 °C (545 °F) | HSDB | |
| 285 °C (545 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Decomposes (NTP, 1992) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 66 °C (150.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 66.11 °C (151 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.283 g/cm³ | liquid | ICSC |
| 1.32 g/cm³ | OSHA | ||
| 1.2833 g/cm³ | at 111 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol and chloroform | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: very poor | ICSC | ||
| In water, 204 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.018 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.000567 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 206.67 °C (404 °F) | HSDB | |
| 207 °C (404.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air. Risk of explosion on contact with many substances. | HSDB | |
| May explode when exposed to heat or flame. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 6.28 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,6-Dinitrotoluene
Storage conditions
Storage temperture: Ambient
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
2,6-DINITROTOLUENE is sensitive to heat. It may explode when exposed to heat or flame. It can be detonated only by a very strong initiator. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It is also incompatible with caustics and metals such as tin and zinc. It may react with reducing agents. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,6-Dinitrotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →