Safety data sheet reference · CAS 98-95-3
Nitrobenzene SDS
also: nitrobenzene MSDS · safety data sheet · C6H5NO2 · CAS 98-95-3 · EC 202-716-0
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
98-95-3
EC number
202-716-0
CLP Annex VI index
609-003-00-7
Molecular formula
C6H5NO2
Molar mass
123.11 g/mol
§ 02 · Hazards identification
Nitrobenzene harmonised EU classification
CLP Annex VI · Index 609-003-00-7. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.
Precautionary statements
Codes ending in a colon introduce the action that follows — on a label they are printed as combined statements, such as P305+P351+P338.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Nitrobenzene molecular structure
Nitrobenzene is a molecular compound. The skeletal formula below is drawn from its PubChem SMILES string, and every value in this section is computed from that structure.
2D skeletal formula · C6H5NO2
Functional groups
nitro, aromatic ring
Hybridisation
C sp² ×6 · N sp² · O sp² ×2
Electron count
46 valence e⁻ · 5 lone pairs
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string. Geometry and hybridisation are computed from the connection table, not measured.
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Nitrobenzene first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry NITROBENZENE. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised. Prior alcohol consumption aggravates the effects of nitrobenzene poisoning.
Note: Absorption of nitrobenzene through the skin is rapid.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Nitrobenzene Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to nitrobenzene may be severe and include cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and cardiac arrhythmias. Respiratory depression and respiratory failure may also occur. Headache, lethargy, weakness, vertigo (dizziness), severe depression, and coma may be noted. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Urine and vomitus may have the odor of bitter almonds.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to nitrobenzene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to nitrobenzene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to nitrobenzene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of nitrobenzene is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step 4.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of nitrobenzene may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step 4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal. 4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. 5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. 6. RUSH to a health care facility.
Source: EPA, 1998 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Nitrobenzene fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 152 Substances - Toxic (Combustible)ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 152 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
Moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Reacts violently with nitric acid, aluminum trichloride plus phenol, aniline plus glycerine, silver perchlorate and nitrogen tetroxide. Avoid aluminum trichloride; aniline; gycerol; sulfuric acid; oxidants; phosphorus pentachloride; potassium; potassium hydroxide. Avoid sunlight, physical damage to container, freezing, and intense heat.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the site.
Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.
Source: EPA, 1998 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: NITROBENZENE.
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Nitrobenzene spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: NITROBENZENE.
§ 07 · Handling and storage
Nitrobenzene computed storage compatibility
Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.
↔ Keep separate
Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →
§ 08 · Exposure controls
Nitrobenzene exposure limits (IDLH)
IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
200 ppm
NIOSH Pocket Guide — Nitrobenzene →
IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.
§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties
Nitrobenzene physical properties
Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.
Flash point
88 °C
Autoignition
495.6 °C
Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.
§ 10 · Stability and reactivity
Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Nitro, Nitroso, Nitrate, and Nitrite Compounds, Organic. Our database documents 23 incompatible and 19 caution reaction-partner groups for nitrobenzene — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →
23
Incompatible
19
Caution
§ 13 · Disposal considerations
Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.
§ 14 · Transport information
Nitrobenzene road transport — ADR 2025
UN number
Proper shipping name
NITROBENZENE
Class · PG
6.1 · II
Classification code
T1
Transport category
2
ADR labels
6.1
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.
MSDS vs SDS
Nitrobenzene MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "nitrobenzene MSDS" and a "nitrobenzene SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
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Substance profile
What nitrobenzene is
Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for nitrobenzene
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about nitrobenzene
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "nitrobenzene MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
What GHS pictograms does nitrobenzene require?
Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), nitrobenzene carries GHS06 and GHS08 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H351, H360F, H331, H311, H301, H372, H412. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.
Where can I download an official nitrobenzene SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry NITROBENZENE — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised. Prior alcohol consumption aggravates the effects of nitrobenzene poisoning.
Note: Absorption of nitrobenzene through the skin is rapid.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Nitrobenzene Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to nitrobenzene may be severe and include cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and cardiac arrhythmias. Respiratory depression and respiratory failure may also occur. Headache, lethargy, weakness, vertigo (dizziness), severe depression, and coma may be noted. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Urine and vomitus may have the odor of bitter almonds.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to nitrobenzene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to nitrobenzene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to nitrobenzene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of nitrobenzene is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step 4.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of nitrobenzene may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step 4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal. 4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. 5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. 6. RUSH to a health care facility.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
Moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Reacts violently with nitric acid, aluminum trichloride plus phenol, aniline plus glycerine, silver perchlorate and nitrogen tetroxide. Avoid aluminum trichloride; aniline; gycerol; sulfuric acid; oxidants; phosphorus pentachloride; potassium; potassium hydroxide. Avoid sunlight, physical damage to container, freezing, and intense heat.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the site.
Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.