There are six xylidine isomers. Xylidine,mixed isomers (principally made up of 2,4-, 2,5-, and 2,6-isomers), is a pale yellow to brown liquid with a weak,aromatic amine odor. The odor threshold is 0.056 ppm.Molecular weight=121.20; Specific gravity (H2O:1) =0.98 at 25℃; Boiling point (mixed isomers) =213-226℃;Freezing/Melting point=236℃; Vapor pressure =<1 mmHg at 25℃; Flash point (2,6-isomer)= 91℃;(mixed isomers) 96.7℃. Explosive limits (2,6-isomer):LEL =1.0%; UEL—unknown. Hazard Identification (basedon NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1,Reactivity 0. Insoluble in water.
There are six xylidine isomers. Xylidine,
mixed isomers (principally made up of 2,4-, 2,5-, and
2,6-isomers) is a pale yellow to brown liquid with a weak,
aromatic amine odor.
Liquid. Slightly soluble inwater;
soluble in alcohol and ether. Combustible.
Chemical intermediate in the manufacture
of pesticides, dyes, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals,
synthetic resins, and fragrances.
Chiefly in the manufacture of dyes.
A varying mixture of isomers (2,3-; 2,4-; 2,5-; 2,6-).
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption. Liver damage. Methemoglobinemia.
Possible carcinogen.
Xylidine causes liver damage in
experimental animals and is a mild methemoglobin
former; it caused tumors of the nasal
cavity in rats.
There are six isomeric forms of xylidenes
with the commercial product consisting primarily
of the 2,4- and 2,6-isomers.
Confirmed carcinogen.
Poison by intravenous route. Moderately
toxic by ingestion. This material, which so
closely resembles aniline in the character of
its toxic effects, is actually twice as toxic as
aniline. It can cause injury to the blood and
the liver. It does not necessarily give any
alarm or warning, such as cyanosis,
headache, and duziness, whch characterize
aniline poisoning. Thus, it may be
considered a more insidious poison than aniline, and severe and possibly fatal
intoxication may come about through skin
absorption. Combustible when exposed to
heat or flame. Can react vigorously with
oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam,
CO2, dry chemical. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.
See also ANILINE and other xylidme
entries.
Xylidines are used in dyestuff
manufacture; as intermediates in the manufacture of pesticides,
antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, and other organic com
pounds.
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, getmedical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia. Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination oflevels of methemoglobin in urine. If symptoms of seriouscyanosis develop, methylene blue may be given as anantidote (by a trained medical person only), over 5 min.Repeat in 1 h if not improving. 100% oxygen can be givenonly by a trained person.
The IARC has determined that there is
sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of
2,6-xylidine in experimental animals and inadequate
evidence in humans.5 Overall, 2,6-
xylidine is considered possibly carcinogenic to
humans.
In genotoxic assays, 2,6-xylidine induced
sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal
aberrations in cultured mammalian cells but
did not induce micronuclei in the bone marrow
of mice treated in vivo; conflicting results have
been reported in the Salmonella typhimurium
assay.
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosiveconcentration does not exist. Xylidine must be stored toavoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as bromine,chlorine, or fluorine) since violent reactions occur. Contactwith hypochlorite bleaches may form explosive chloroamines. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry,well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drums mustbe equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuumbungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof this chemical. A regulated, marked area should beestablished where this chemical is handled, used, or storedin compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.
UN1711/Xylidines, solid or liquid, Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Vapor may form explosive mixture with
air. Contact with hypo chlorite salts and bleaches form
explosive chloroamines. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates,
chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires
or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong
bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. A chemical
base: Will neutralize acids to form salts plus water with an
exothermic reaction. May be incompatible with isocyanates,
halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic),
epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous
hydrogen is generated by amines in combination with
strong reducing agents such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali
metals, and sulfides.
Incineration; oxides of
nitrogen are removed from the effluent gas by scrubber,
catalytic, or thermal device.
