Technical Bulletin
N-METHYLMORPHOLINE (NMM)
NMM is a clear, low-color, water miscible, liquid amine possessing a penetrating, ammoniacal odor.
SALES SPECIFICATIONS
Property Specifications Test Method*
Appearance Clear and substantially free of foreign matter ST-30.1
Color, Pt-Co 50 max. ST-30.12
NMM, wt% 99 min. ST-5.5
Water, wt% 0.5 max. ST-31.53, 6
*Methods of Test are available from Huntsman Corporation upon request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regulatory Information Typical Physical Properties
Boiling point, 掳C (掳F)
DOT/TDG Classification 4-Methylmorpholine 112 (234)
Flash point, TCC, 掳C (掳F)
HMIS Code 3-3-0 13 (55)
Freezing point, 掳C
WHMIS Classification Class E: Corrosive -66
Class B-2: Flammable liquid pH 10.8
CAS Number 109-02-4 Specific gravity, 20/20掳C 0.9
Vapor pressure, mm Hg, 20掳C (68掳F) 18
Chemical Control Laws Viscosity, cSt, 20掳C (68掳F) 1
Australia, AICS Listed VOC Content (%) 100
Canada, DSL Listed Water solubility (%) > 10
Europe, EINECS/ELINCS Listed
Japan, METI Listed
United States, TSCA Listed
TOXICITY AND SAFETY
Acute Toxicity
The results of acute toxicity testing using N-methylmorpholine (NMM) indicate that this product is considered to be
moderately toxic by single oral exposures and practically non-toxic by single dermal exposures. The oral LD50 in rats and
the dermal LD50 in rabbits are 1.44 g/kg and greater than 3 g/kg, respectively.
Acute irritation studies have shown this product to be extremely irritating/corrosive to the skin of rabbits, with a Draize
dermal irritation score of 8.0 (maximum score 8.0). Given the results of the dermal irritation study, it is assumed that NMM
will be extremely irritating and corrosive to the eyes, as well.
In dermal sensitization studies using guinea pigs (Beuhler method), NMM was not found to be a dermal sensitizer at
challenge concentrations of 10% NMM in acetone.
Genetic Toxicity
A battery of genetic toxicity studies, comprised of an Ames Assay and an Unscheduled DNA Synthesis (UDS) Assay, was
conducted using N-methylmorpholine. These studies were negative (non-genotoxic) in their responses to NMM.
Human Health Effects and First Aid
On the basis of the above animal toxicity studies, the principal health hazard from accidental exposures to N-
methylmorpholine is a moderate to severe irritation/corrosion of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Chemical-type
goggles with face shield must be worn during handling or use of the undiluted product or concentrated solutions. Contact
lenses should not be worn. Protective clothing, and gloves resistant to chemicals and petroleum distillates, must be worn.
Should accidental eye and skin contact occur, flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, after which a
physician should be consulted. During flushing of the eyes, eyelids should be held apart to permit rinsing of entire surface
of eye and lids. For skin contact, immediately flush skin with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
Clothing wet with the product must be removed immediately and laundered before reuse.
If NMM is accidentally ingested, and the individual is conscious and can swallow, they should be given two large glasses of
water, after which a physician should be consulted. Since this product is expected to produce severe irritation/corrosion of
mucous membranes, vomiting should not be induced, due to the possibility of lung damage from aspiration of the product into
the lungs during vomiting.
Under usual circumstances, exposure to harmful quantities of vapor should not be a health problem, however, exposure to
appreciable concentrations of N-methylmorpholine vapors has been shown to result in irritation to the eyes, nose and throat,
and may produce a temporary and reversible hazy or blurred vision. These symptoms disappear when exposure to NMM is
terminated. Adequate ventilation should be provided where a large quantity of product is exposed, or where mists or vapors are
generated. Spills in confined areas should be cleaned up promptly, using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Although no occupational exposure limits have been established for NMM, the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has established a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for a similar chemical, N-ethylmorpholine (NEM),
at 5 ppm as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) and has included a 鈥淪KIN鈥? notation. Adherence to this TLV should also be
protective for NMM exposures, as well. For further information, please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this
product.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
In order to maintain the high degree of purity with which N-methylmorpholine (NMM) is manufactured and shipped, the following
storage and handling considerations are recommended:
Dry Inert Gas Blanket: This product should be stored under a dry inert gas blanket, such as nitrogen, to minimize
contamination resulting from contact with air and water.
Materials of Construction: Clean carbon steel is satisfactory as a material of construction for storage tanks and transfer
systems, provided adequate precautions are observed to guard against rust contamination. In those cases where additional
precautions are needed to preserve low color, stainless steel or aluminum should be used. Copper, or alloys containing copper,
should be avoided.
Storage Temperature: NMM has an extremely low viscosity and freezing point (-73.5掳F). It will not freeze or become viscous
during normal handling even though subjected to very severe weather conditions.
Spills or Leaks: Eliminate all sources of ignition in case of spills or leaks. Spills should be removed by absorbent materials or
by washing with water.
Flammability: Since NMM has a low flash point (55掳F), adequate precautions should be observed to reduce fire hazards. It
should be used only in a well-ventilated area and precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to sparks and open flames.
Ground wires should be welded to the storage tank to reduce the chances of static electricity buildup. Where possible,
equipment should also be electrically bonded. Either float or manometer type gauges are recommended for tank metering.
Gauge glasses are not recommended for this service as they are subject to accidental breakage, resulting in a serious fire
hazard. Proper fire-fighting equipment should be available wherever NMM is handled. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, and
water spray are effective in controlling fires. Vapors from the burning of NMM may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
and ammonia. Therefore, personnel fighting fires involving this product should be equipped with self-contained breathing
apparatus and protective clothing.
AVAILABILITY
NMM is available for shipment in tank cars, tank wagons, and 55-gallon drums. Samples are available by contacting our
sample department at 1-800-662-0924.
Huntsman Corporation 5014-1107
Business Offices
10003 Woodloch Forest Dr.
Copyright 漏 2007 Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof. All rights reserved.
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 719-6000 Warning: Polyurethane products manufactured from these chemicals may present a fire hazard if improperly used. Each manufacturer and user
of such products should determine whether there are potential hazards in a specific application and take the necessary precautions.
Huntsman Corporation warrants only that its products meet the specifications stated herein. Typical properties, where stated, are to be considered
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Technical Service
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(281) 719-7780
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require special precautions in handling. For all product(s) described herein, the user should obtain from Huntsman detailed information on hazards
Samples 1-800-662-0924 and/or toxicity, together with proper shipping, handling, and storage procedures, and should comply with all applicable safety and environmental
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