2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Chemical Formula: C7H3Cl2N
Synonyms: Dichlobenil, 2,6-Dichlorobenzene carbonitrile
CAS Number: 1194-65-6
Recommended Use: Herbicide, Chemical intermediate
Manufacturer Information: Available from chemical suppliers and agricultural product companies
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to local supplier or Poison Control Center

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Eye and skin irritant, Category 3, Hazardous to aquatic life
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to environment, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid breathing dust or fumes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Concentration: >98% (technical grade)
Impurities: Minor amounts of related chlorinated benzene compounds, handled as proprietary information
Other Ingredients: Trace process residues that do not change primary toxicity profile

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep person at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash affected skin area with plenty of water and mild soap, medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses and continue rinsing, medical advice needed if eye irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention, give victim water to drink if conscious
Most Important Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, skin redness, eye watering or irritation, possible gastrointestinal distress

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (avoid direct stream due to potential contamination spread)
Special Hazards: Toxic and irritating gases may form under fire conditions, including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, phosgene
Protective Equipment: Full face self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant protective clothing
Firefighting Procedures: Keep upwind, use water to cool containers, prevent runoff from entering sewers or storm drains
Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, organochlorine compounds

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ensure adequate ventilation, wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respirator
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow product to enter drains, sewers, or waterways, notify authorities in event of large spills
Containment and Clean-up Methods: Sweep up and shovel spill, avoid creating dust, place in suitable containers for proper disposal, clean contaminated area with water and detergent, dispose according to regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with local exhaust or general ventilation, avoid generation of dust, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands and exposed skin areas thoroughly after handling
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep away from food, drink, and animal feed, separate from incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids, bases)
Storage Temperature: Store at ambient temperatures out of direct sunlight, prevent container leakage or spillage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Not established for 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH; follow general dust exposure limits (OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ total, 5 mg/m³ respirable)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation whenever possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (chemical-resistant), eye protection with side shields, long-sleeved clothing, approved dust respirator for high concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing, prevent contact with skin and eyes, wash hands before breaks and after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Faint aromatic or chlorinated odor
Odor Threshold: No data available
pH: Not available
Melting Point: 142-145°C
Boiling Point: 305°C (decomposes)
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid)
Flammability: May burn if strongly heated
Vapor Pressure: 0.0033 Pa at 25°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (15 mg/L at 25°C), more soluble in organic solvents like acetone and chloroform
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.7–3.0
Vapor Density: Not relevant
Decomposition Temperature: Above 310°C produces toxic fumes
Density: 1.37 g/cm³
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, sensitive to strong oxidizing agents
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use, may react with strong acids or bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, cyanide compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides under fire or decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, strong oxidizers, direct sunlight, moist conditions can promote hydrolysis
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): 640 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Dermal): LD50 (rabbit): >5000 mg/kg
Inhalation: LC50 data not fully available but considered moderately toxic
Skin Irritation: Irritating to skin, may cause redness, dryness, or discomfort
Eye Irritation: Causes eye irritation, may cause redness, watering, blurred vision
Chronic Exposure: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or EPA, prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis
Repeated Dose Effects: No specific data; based on chemical similarity, could impact liver and kidneys after prolonged or high exposure
Sensitization: No data indicating allergic skin reaction
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory tract, potential liver and kidney at high exposures

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity – Aquatic: Highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates (EC50 Daphnia magna: 1–5 mg/L); fish toxicity moderate (LC50: 10–25 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable, persistent in some soils, hydrolyzes under alkaline conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation due to moderate log Kow values
Mobility in Soil: Low to moderate, binds to soil particles, leaching risk depends on local soil and water conditions
Other Effects: Hazardous to plant life, not expected to volatilize significantly under ambient conditions
Avoid Release: Prevent contamination of surface and groundwater

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved chemical incinerator, comply with federal, state, and local regulations
Waste from Residues: Dispose waste in properly labeled containers through licensed hazardous waste contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before recycling or proper disposal, follow local requirements for hazardous containers

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, N.O.S. (contains 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Labels: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid release to the environment during transport, handle with care to prevent spillage or dust emission

Regulatory Information

SARA Title III (Section 313): Listed, subject to reporting requirements
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed in the United States
European Union – REACH: Subject to registration and restrictions for use
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B – Toxic, irritant
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, Skin Irritation, Eye Damage Category 2, Hazardous to the aquatic environment
Label Elements: Required for workplace labeling, safety data, and chemical hazard communication