3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile Material Safety Data Sheet Details

Identification

Chemical name: 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Common names: Dichlobenil, Casoron
CAS number: 1194-65-6
Molecular formula: C7H3Cl2N
Molecular weight: 172.01 g/mol
Uses: Herbicide, used for weed control in crops, landscapes, and aquatic settings
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Synonyms: Benzonitrile, 3,4-dichloro-
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to packaging or supplier documentation for specific contact information
Storage recommendations: Keep in tightly sealed container, away from food and feed products.

Hazard Identification

GHS classification: Acute Toxicity Oral Category 4, Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 2A, Aquatic Chronic Category 2
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environment
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life
Precautionary statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink while using product, avoid release to environment
Possible routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Potential hazards: Mild to moderate toxicity, risk of irritation, environmental hazard for aquatic organisms

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Concentration: Typically >99% in technical grade material
Impurities: Trace chlorinated benzene derivatives, water (usually <0.5%)
CAS number: 1194-65-6
Relevant impurities contributing to hazard: None significant at normal technical concentrations.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, watch for respiratory symptoms, seek medical help if symptoms develop
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with soap and water, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, get medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water if conscious, seek medical attention
Most important symptoms: Irritation, nausea, reddening of skin or eyes

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: May burn but not easily ignited
Suitable extinguishing media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray
Special hazards: During fire, releases toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, and chlorinated organic compounds
Protective equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Further instructions: Avoid runoff from fire control; contain fire fighting water to prevent entry into sewers and waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, avoid contact with skin and eyes, ensure good ventilation
Environmental precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, water sources, or soil
Spill management: Collect spillage using methods preventing dust formation, sweep up and transfer to labeled container, dispose of according to local regulations
Clean up: Wash area thoroughly after removal
Notification: Inform authorities if spill has caused contamination of environment or water supply

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust generation, wear appropriate PPE, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, protect from direct sunlight and moisture, keep away from food and animal feed
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Hygiene requirements: Maintain strict hygiene, keep out of reach of children and unauthorized persons

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established; minimize exposure, treat as hazardous chemical
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment of dust
Personal protective equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator compliant with local standards (P2 or N95 recommended)
Environmental controls: Prevent run-off or uncontrolled dispersion
General workplace hygiene: Remove contaminated clothing, wash hands before eating or drinking, provide eyewash stations

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, aromatic
Odor threshold: Not established
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting point: 141–143 °C
Boiling point: 310–312 °C
Solubility: Water: <20 mg/L (20 °C); soluble in acetone, ethanol, benzene
Partition coefficient (log Kow): 2.8–3.1
Vapor pressure: 0.002 mPa at 25 °C
Density: 1.44–1.46 g/cm³
Other properties: Stable under recommended storage conditions, forms dust

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable if stored as recommended in original unopened container
Reactivity: Not reactive with most materials under normal use
Conditions to avoid: Heat, open flame, strong oxidants
Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dioxide, possibly traces of dioxins under combustion

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: LD50 oral (rat) 340–540 mg/kg, LD50 dermal >2000 mg/kg, inhalation LC50 (rat) >2.8 mg/L/4h
Skin irritation: Causes moderate skin irritation in animals
Eye irritation: Moderate to severe in animal studies
Sensitization: Not a skin sensitizer in animal studies
Chronic toxicity: Subchronic rat studies showed possible liver and kidney effects at high doses, not considered carcinogenic by IARC
Mutagenicity: Not mutagenic in most standard assays
Reproductive toxicity: No adverse effects at typical use concentrations
Additional information: No known human cases of severe poisoning, but persistent or high exposures may lead to health impacts

Ecological Information

Aquatic toxicity: LC50 (96h, fish) 0.84 mg/L (rainbow trout), EC50 (48h, daphnia) 1.2 mg/L
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation, log Kow 2.8–3.1
Persistence and degradability: Moderately persistent, slow degradation in soil and water
Mobility in soil: Low to moderate, binds to soil organic matter
Other adverse effects: Toxic to aquatic invertebrates and non-target plant species
Precautions: Prevent product runoff into water bodies, avoid over-application near sensitive habitats

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment methods: Incinerate or landfill in accordance with local regulatory requirements, do not discharge waste into drains or environment
Packaging disposal: Triple rinse containers, then puncture and dispose via approved waste contractor
Special precautions: Follow all state and local pesticide disposal guidelines, never reuse empty containers
Contaminated material handling: Treat as hazardous waste according to government regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
UN proper shipping name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S. (contains 3,4-dichlorobenzonitrile)
Transport hazard class(es): 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing group: III
Marine pollutant: Yes
Special precautions: Store upright in container designed for hazardous materials, segregate from incompatible goods
Labels required: Class 9 hazardous, marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

US TSCA Status: Listed
Canada (DSL): Listed
EU (REACH): Registered or pre-registered by specific manufacturers
OSHA: Classified as hazardous
SARA Title III, Section 313: Subject to reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Other international statuses: Regulated as a pesticide ingredient in many countries, additional local requirements may apply
Workplace labeling: Ensure containers bear appropriate hazard marking as described in applicable jurisdictions