Substance profile
Trichloronitromethane
Trichloronitromethane is a slightly oily liquid with an intensely irritating tear gas odor.
01 · Identification
What Trichloronitromethane is
Trichloronitromethane is a slightly oily liquid with an intensely irritating tear gas odor. Its molecular formula is CCl3NO2 and its molecular weight is 164.37 g/mol. It boils at 112 °C, melts at -64 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Trichloronitromethane
- chloropicrin
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 |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Trichloronitromethane 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 | 112 °C (233.6 °F) | at 757 mmHg | HSDB |
| 112.22 °C (234 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 112.22 °C (234 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -64 °C (-83.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -69.44 °C (-93 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -69.22 °C (-92.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.66 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6448 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.64 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents, e.g. acetone, benzene, ethanol, methanol, carbon disulfide, diethyl ether, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Miscible with absolute alcohol; soluble in ether | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with acetic acid | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 18 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 16.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 24.002 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Not combustible, but material if contaminated may explode when heated under confinement. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated. | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 5.7 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Threshold odor concn: 1.1 ppm | HSDB | |
| Faint odor at 0.0073 mg/L | HSDB | ||
| Corrosivity | RELATIVELY INERT CHEMICALLY & NON-CORROSIVE TO COPPER, BRASS & BRONZE BUT ATTACKS IRON, ZINC & OTHER LIGHT METALS | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Trichloronitromethane
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
During addition of the nitrocompound in methanol to sodium methoxide solution, the temperature must not be allowed to fall much below 50 °C. If this happens , excess nitro compound will accumulate and cause a violent and dangerous exotherm.
Source: HSDB
An insecticidal mixture in a rail tank exploded with great violence during pump transfer operations, possibly owing to the pump running dry and overheating. Both components of the mixture are explosive and the mixture was also found to be shock and heat sensitive.
Source: HSDB
Odor
The odor threshold is reportedly 0.78 ppm for chloropicrin. Definitive exposure-response data for humans comes from sensory irritation studies conducted with human volunteers. More sensitive individuals exposed for 20-30 minutes reported chloropicrin concentration of 150 ppb (0.150 ppm) to be detectable as determined by notable ocular and nasal irritation. Exposure to 50 ppb (0.050 ppm) was reported as a No- Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for volunteer subjects (males and females; ages 18-35 years and including sensitive individuals).
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Trichloronitromethane
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible with strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CHLOROPICRIN is a powerful irritant affecting all body surfaces, more toxic then chlorine. It can be shocked into detonation. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of chlorine gas and nitrogen oxides [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 821]. It produces a violent reaction with aniline [Jackson, K. E., Chem. Rev., 1934, 14, p. 269] or strong bases in the presence of alcohols (alkoxides) [Ramsey, B. G., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1966, 88, p. 3059]. An insecticidal mixture of the nitrocompound and 3-bromopropyne exploded violently, initiated by an overheated pump during a railcar transfer operation, [BCISC Quart. Safety Summ., 1968, 39, 12].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Trichloronitromethane in the storage compatibility matrix →