Substance profile
2-Nitrotoluene
2-Nitrotoluene is a yellowish liquid at ordinary temperature with a weak, aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Nitrotoluene is
2-Nitrotoluene is a yellowish liquid at ordinary temperature with a weak, aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C7H7NO2 and its molecular weight is 137.14 g/mol. It boils at 222 °C, melts at -9.5 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
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>. |
| H340 | May cause 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. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P270, P273, P280, P301, P308, P312, P313, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Nitrotoluene 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 | 222 °C (431.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 237.78 °C (460 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 222.22 °C (432 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Melting point | -9.55 °C (14.8 °F) | alpha-form | HSDB |
| 54.44 °C (130 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -3.89 °C (25 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.16 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.1622 g/cm³ | at 19 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether | HSDB | |
| SOL IN CHLOROFORM | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in carbon tetrachloride; miscible in ethanol and ethyl ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.1 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.1 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.185 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 95 °C (203 °F) | HSDB | |
| 106.11 °C (223 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 305 °C (581 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.47 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.2 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| 2.1 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 4.72 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.7 (air = 1) | HSDB | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.05 mg/l | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.05 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards" | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-Nitrotoluene
Storage conditions
Store in a cool. dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Decomposes on contact with strong oxidzers; strong acids; reducing agents; strong bases; ammonia, amines producing toxic fumes, causing fire and explosion hazard. Heat above 190 °C may cause explosive decomposition. Attacks some plastics, rubbers, and coatings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
O-NITROTOLUENE is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin aborption, targeting the blood, central nervous system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include, anoxia, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If it contacts the eye, the eye should be irrigated immediately. If it contacts the skin, the area should be washed with soap. If inhaled, respiratory support should be administered. Finally, if ingested, medical attention should be sought. It also reacts with sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen, sodium, tetranitromethane, reducing agents and strong oxidizers. It is very heat sensitive.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Nitrotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →