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ISOAMYL NITRITE ICSC: 1012
November 1998
Amyl nitrite
Nitrous acid, 3-methyl butyl ester
3-Methylbutanol nitrite
Isopentyl alcohol nitrite
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CAS # 110-46-3 C 5H 1 1N0 2
RTECS # NT0187500 Molecular mass: 117.2
UN # 1113

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID /    FIRE FIGHTING   
FIRE Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Blue lips or finger nails. Blue skin. Confusion. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Sweating. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Flushing of the face. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED!
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes
Safety spectacles, face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion (see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Pack Group: II
Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30G30 NFPA Code: H1; F; R2;
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Well closed.

IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
YELLOW LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
May explode on heating. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic gases including nitrogen oxides. Reacts with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause effects on the blood and cardiovascular system , resulting in cardiac disorders and formation of methaemoglobin. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 97-99°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.875
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.0
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.1
Flash point: 3°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 209°C

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA


NOTES
Combustion in a confined space may turn into detonation. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission

© IPCS 1999
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.


Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 10.10.2000.