EMS CATALOG NO: 11100
EMS PRODUCT: Azo-Bis-Iso-Butyronitrile
DATE: 11/11/94
PAGE NUMBER: One of 8
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
The information contained herein is based on data considered accurate. However, no
warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of these data or the results to be
obtained from the use thereof.
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damage to vendees, users or third parties caused by the material. Such vendees or users
assume all risks associated with the use of the material.
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PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
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Azo-Bis-Iso-Butyronitrile
PRODUCT NAME:
TRADE NAMES AND Azobisisobutyronitrile
SYNONYMS: Azoisobutyronitrile; VAZO
CAS NAME: Propanenitrile, 2-methyl, 2,2'-Azobis
CAS NUMBER: 78-67-1
FORMULA: (CH3)2C(CN)N=NC(CH3)2(CN)
TSCA INVENTORY STATUS: Reported/Included.
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COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
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COMPONENT: CAS: %
Propanenitrile, 2-Methyl,
2,2'-Azobis 78-67-1 100
Tetramethylsuccinonitrile 3333-52-6
(A Decomposition Product)
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
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Harmful if swallowed or inhaled- may cause liver and kidney damage. Causes
eye irritation.
ANIMAL DATA:
950 mg/m3 in rats
INHALATION 4-HOUR ALC:
ORAL ALD: 450 mg/kg in rats
The compound is an eye irritant, but is not a skin irritant or skin sensitizer in ani-
mals. Toxic effects described in animals from repeated inhalation exposures
include liver and kidney damage, and nonspecific effects such as weight loss and
respiratory tract irritation. By ingestion, single exposures produced no gross pa-
thology at sublethal doses; lethal doses produced lung, liver, kidney, and stomach
damage. Repeated oral administration resulted in weight loss, labored breathing
with lung noises, and some liver effects that were reversible after the exposures
had been stopped. The compound does not produce genetic damage in bacterial
cell cultures.
HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS:
Human health effects of overexposure by eye contact may include eye irritation
with discomfort, tearing, or blurring of vision. By inhalation or ingestion, the ef-
fects include nonspecific discomfort such as nausea, headache, or weakness; ab-
normal liver
or kidney function as determined by laboratory tests; liver enlargement; and cen-
tral nervous system effects with tremors, convulsions, and irritability. Fatality
from gross overexposure may occur.
Individuals with preexisting diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, or central nerv-
ous system may have increased susceptibility to the toxicity of excessive expo-
sures.
WARNING!!!!:
In the absence of a polymerizable vinyl monomer, Azo-Bis-Iso-
Butyronitrile decomposes when heated to give products which are
harmful or fatal if inhaled. One such product is tetramethyl-
succiononitrile (TMSN). Skin or inhalation contact with TMSN can
cause headache, sensation of pressure within the head, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, peculiar taste, respiratory distress, fatigue,
convulsions and unconsciousness. Overexposure to TMSN can be
fatal.
CARCINOGENICITY:
None of the components present in this material at concentrations
equal to or greater than 0.1% are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or
ACGIH as a carcinogen.
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FIRST AID MEASURES
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INHALATION: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial res-
piration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.
SKIN CONTACT: In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and
water. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
EYE CONTACT: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty
of water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.
INGESTION: If swallowed, immediately give 2 glasses of water and
induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Call a physician.
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FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
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FLASH POINT: Not applicable
FLAMMABLE LIMITS LEL: 0.02 g/L
IN AIR, % by volume: UEL: Not determined
295oC (563oF)
AUTOIGNITION:
AUTODECOMPOSITION
TEMPERATURE: See "Decomposition"
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Flammable solid.
Material may erupt if exposed to heat (above 50oC or 122oF) or fire. Dust forms
explosive mixtures in air and an eruption of drums from exposure to heat may
form explosive dust mixtures. Static electricity is a likely ignition source for dust;
therefore handling equipment should be metal and should be grounded. Also,
see "Decomposition", and "Health Hazard sections. Follow appropriate National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA codes for handling and storage.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
SMALL FIRES: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2).
LARGE FIRES: Water spray or deluge.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Evacuate area immediately. Wear respiratory protection, stay upwind and avoid
smoke and flame. Fight fires with sprinkler or deluge system or remotely oper-
ated hydrant with monitor nozzles. Cool containers and wet exposed material
with water spray. Run-off water from fire control should be contained to avoid
pollution. Do not approach a large fire because of possible rapid decomposition
and rupture of containers.
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ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
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SAFEGUARDS (PERSONNEL):
Review FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(PERSONNEL) before proceeding with clean up. Use appropriate
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT during clean up.
SPILL CLEAN UP: Cleaned-up material is a RCRA Hazardous Waste.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES:
Transfer to unsealed drums without creating dust, and refrigerate. Contaminated
floor may be flushed with water to chemical sewer. Do not vacuum. Use spark-
proof equipment.
Comply with Federal, State, and Local regulations on reporting releases.
The Reportable Quantity for a generic Reactive Substance is 100 lbs.
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HANDLING, STORAGE & DISPOSAL INFORMATION
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HANDLING (PERSONNEL):
Avoid breathing dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wash thor-
oughly after handling.
STORAGE:
Store in a refrigerator or out of sun and in cool, dry place below about 75oC
(24oC); higher temperatures cause decomposition.
Above about 122oF (50oC), decomposition may become violent, yielding toxic
products. Do not store with strong oxidizing agents. Keep away from ignition
sources. Do not smoke.
Store in original vented containers; do not transfer to tightly sealed containers.
Automatic water sprinkler or deluge system recommended.
WASTE DISPOSAL:
Treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal must be in accordance with appli-
cable Federal, State/Provincial, and Local regulations.
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EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PROTECTION INFORMATION
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ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Good general ventilation should be provided to keep dust concentrations below
the recommended exposure limit and to prevent the formation of explosive dust
mixtures in air.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Have available and wear as appropriate: Impervious gloves, pants, jacket, hood,
and boots; face shield; or totally encapsulating air supplied chemical protective
suit if there is potential for exposure to tetramethylsuccinonitrile (TMSN) vapor
or solids, or a liquid contaminated with TMSN. Clothing contaminated with
TMSN should be removed immediately. Skin that becomes contaminated should
be promptly washed with soap and water.
NOTE: To avoid static electricity when dissolving in flammable solvents, Azo-Bis-Iso-
Butyronitrile should first be transferred to an electrically grounded, OPEN metal
container or hopper.
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EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
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EXPOSURE LIMITS: AZO-BIS-ISO-BUTYRONITRILE FREE RADICAL
SOURCE:
AEL* (DU PONT): 1 mg/m3- 8 hr TWA
0.7mg/m3, 8 hr TWA
TLV (ACHIH): None established
PEL (OSHA): None established
*
AEL is Du Pont's acceptable exposure limit.
EXPOSURE LIMITS-DECOMPOSITION PRODUCT-
TETRAMETHYLSUCCIONONITRILE:
0.5 ppm, 3 mg/m3 - Skin
TLV (ACGIH):
0.5 ppm, 3 mg/m3 - Skin
PEL (OSHA):
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PHYSICAL DATA
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VAPOR PRESSURE: Negligible at room temperature.
EVAPORATION RATE: 0 (Butyl Acetate = 1.0)
WATER SOLUBILITY: Less than 1 wt %
pH: Neutral
ODOR: Odorless
FORM: Solid Noodle
COLOR: White
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: ~1.1
BULK DENSITY: ~25 lbs/cu ft (loose)
o o
MELTING POINT: ~100 C / 212 F
Caution: Do not attempt to verify;
decomposition can be violent.
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STABILITY & REACTIVITY
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STABILITY: Unstable with heat and, if dusty conditions exist, with static elec-
tric charges.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Incompatible with powerful inorganic oxidizers,
such as nitric acid.
POLYMERIZATION: Polymerization will not occur.
DECOMPOSITION:
Azo-Bis-Iso-Butyronitrile decomposes rapidly on heating to 50oC
(122oF) and higher, liberating nitrogen and forming two free
radicals. Nitrogen, in a confined space, can form dangerous
pressures. In the absence of other materials, the free radicals
combine to form tetramethylsucciononitrile (TMSN).
TMSN is highly toxic by inhalation, and although it is a high
melting solid (168oC) it can readily vaporize, even at room
temperature. TMSN in both solid and vapor form is capable of
penetrating the skin and mucous membrane. Exposure to TMSN can
cause headache, sensation of pressure within the head,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, peculiar taste, respiratory
distress, fatigue, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
Overexposure to TMSN can be fatal.
The 50oC is the self-accelerating decomposition temperature
NOTE:
(SADT) for Azo-Bis-Iso-Butyronitrile.
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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ECOTOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION - AQUATIC TOXICITY:
A decomposition product of "Vazo" 64 (Tetremethylbutanedinitrile)
was slightly toxic to Daphnia Magna Neonates. The 48 hour EC50
based on nominal concentrations was 358 mg/l. The 96 hour LC50
was 16.4 mg/l in fathad minnows.
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TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
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DOT/IMO: PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Azodiisobutyronitrile
HAZARD CLASS: Flammable Solid, 4.1
UN NO.: UN 2952
DOT/IMO LABEL: Flammable Solid
PACKAGING GROUP: II
SHIPPING CONTAINERS: Fiber drums, polyethylene sample bags
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REGULATORY INFORMATION
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US FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
TSCA INVENTORY STATUS - REPORTED/INCLUDED.:
TITLE III HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS SECTION 311, 312:
ACUTE: Yes FIRE: Yes
CHRONIC: Yes REACTIVITLY: Yes
PRESSURE: Yes
LISTS: EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE: No
Yes*
CERCLA HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE:
TOXIC CHEMICAL: No
*
Meets the generic definition of a Reactive Substance.
CANADIAN WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: D-1A; D-1B; B-4
NFPA-HMIS RATINGS:
HEALTH: 2
FLAMMABILITY: 2
REACTIVITY: 2
Personal protection rating to be supplied by user depending on use conditions.
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