Introduction

o-nitrotoluene. 

(o-methylnitrobenzene).
CAS: 88-72-2.

NO2C6H4CH3.

Use: For production of toluidine, tolidine, fuchsin, and various synthetic dyes. 

Properties: Yellow liquid. D 1.1629 (20C), fp ±9.3C, bp 220.4C, refr index 1.544 (25C), flash p 223F (106C). Insoluble in water; miscible with alcohol and benzene. Combustible.

Derivation: From toluene by nitration and separation by fractional distillation.

Hazard: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption. TLV: 2 ppm.

Safety information

General

Synonyms: o-methylnitrobenzene, 1-methyl-2-nitrobenzene, 2-methylnitrobenzene, o-nitrotoluene, o-nitrotoluol, 2-nitrotoluol, 2-nitrophenylmethane
Molecular formula: C7H7NO2
CAS No: 88-72-2
EINECS No: 201-853-3

Physical data

Appearance: light yellow liquid
Melting point: -3 C
Boiling point: 225 C
Vapour density: 4.72
Vapour pressure: 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C
Density (g cm-3): 1.163
Flash point: 106 C
Explosion limits: 2.2% (lower)
Autoignition temperature: 305 C
Water solubility: negligible

Stability

Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with oxidising agents, strong bases, sulfuric acid, reducing agents, hydrogen, sodium.

Toxicology

Highly toxic. May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. May act as a carcinogen. May cause reproductive defects. Readily absorbed through the skin.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 891 mg kg-1
IHL-RAT LC50 790 mg m-3
ORL-MUS LD50 970 mg kg-1
IHL-MUS LC50 328 mg m-3
ORL-RBT LD50 1750 mg kg-1

Risk phrases

R23 R24 R25 R33 R51 R53.

Transport information

CGD UK Major hazard class: 6.1. Packing group: II. UN No 1664.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, good ventilation. Treat as a carcinogen.

Safety phrases

S37 S45 S61.