Substance profile
2-Nitropropane
2-Nitropropane is a colorless liquid with a pleasant fruity odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Nitropropane is
2-Nitropropane is a colorless liquid with a pleasant fruity odor. Its molecular formula is C3H7NO2 and its molecular weight is 89.09 g/mol. It boils at 120 °C, melts at -91.3 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
2-Nitropropane identifiers and molecular data
2-Nitropropane CAS number and EC number
2-Nitropropane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
2-Nitropropane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2-Nitropropane pictograms and signal word
2-Nitropropane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 3 | H226 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H332 | GHS07 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 1A or 1B | H350 | GHS08 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
2-Nitropropane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2-Nitropropane. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 2-Nitropropane
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 2-Nitropropane issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
2-Nitropropane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 16 precautionary statements to 2-Nitropropane. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
2-Nitropropane name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 2-нитропропан |
| Spanish español | 2-Nitropropano |
| Czech čeština | 2-nitropropan |
| Danish dansk | 2-nitropropan |
| German Deutsch | 2-Nitropropan |
| Estonian eesti | 2-nitropropaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2-νιτροπροπάνιο |
| English English | 2-nitropropane |
| French français | 2-nitropropane |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2-nitropropan |
| Italian italiano | 2-nitropropano |
| Latvian latviešu | 2-nitropropāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2-nitropropanas |
| Hungarian magyar | 2-nitropropán |
| Maltese Malti | 2-nitropropan |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2-nitropropaan |
| Polish polski | 2-nitropropan |
| Portuguese português | 2-nitropropano |
| Romanian română | 2-nitropropan |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2-nitropropán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2-nitropropan |
| Finnish suomi | 2-nitropropaani |
| Swedish svenska | 2-nitropropan |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
2-Nitropropane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2-Nitropropane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2-Nitropropane
- Flammable liquid and vapour.
- May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Harmful if inhaled.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF INHALED:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2-Nitropropane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2-Nitropropane health hazards and exposure limits
2-Nitropropane hazard summary
2-Nitropropane is used primarily as a solvent. Severe liver damage, as well as some kidney damage, has been observed in workers poisoned from acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to 2-nitropropane. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to 2-nitropropane has caused nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and pulmonary irritation in workers. Liver effects have been observed in animals chronically exposed to 2-nitropropane by inhalation. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of 2-nitropropane in humans. In one animal study, liver tumors were observed in rats. EPA has classified 2-nitropropane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
2-Nitropropane carcinogenicity classification
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitropropane in humans. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitropropane. Overall evaluation: 2-Nitropropane is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Nitropropane: reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
2-Nitropropane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 25.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 25 ppm (90 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 25 ppm (90 mg/m3) See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | Ca See Appendix A | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 100 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and severe headache have been reported in workers exposed to daily concentrations of 20 to 45 ppm [Skinner 1947]. | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Nitropropane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
2-Nitropropane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 120.2 °C (248.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 120.56 °C (249 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 120.28 °C (248.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
2-Nitropropane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -91.3 °C (-132.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -92.78 °C (-135 °F) | NIOSH |
2-Nitropropane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.99 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.99 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9821 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in chloroform | HSDB | |
| Miscible with most aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, ethers, and the lower carboxylic acids | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.70X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 13 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 12.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 17.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 24 °C (75.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 39 °C (102.2 °F) | closed cup | HSDB | |
| 38 °C (100.4 °F) | from table | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 427.78 °C (802 °F) | HSDB | |
| 428 °C (802.4 °F) | ICSC |
2-Nitropropane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.6 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 11 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.06 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.1 (air = 1) | ICSC |
2-Nitropropane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Detection in air (99% pure) 2.49 X 10(4) ppb | HSDB | |
| Odor low: 17.5 mg/cu m; Odor high: 1029 mg/cu m | HSDB |
2-Nitropropane critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 344.7 °C (652.5 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2-Nitropropane fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
2-Nitropropane fire potential
A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, open flame or oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Odor
/One study/... stated that the odor of 2-NP was detectable at 1070 mg/cu m (294 ppm) but not at 302 mg/cu m (83 ppm), without describing the methodology by which these values were determined; their values have nevertheless been incorporated into various guidelines. Two recent studies redetermined the odor threshold for 2-NP. In one the ED50 (minimum concentration detected by 50% of the population) was estimated to be 18.2 mg/cu m (5.0 ppm) with 95% confidence limits from 11.3 mg/cu m (3.1 ppm) to28.76 mg/cu m (7.9 ppm), and, in the other, all of a four-member test panel detected 2-NP at 11.3 mg/cu m.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
2-Nitropropane storage and handling
2-Nitropropane safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong bases, strong acids, amines, powdered metals and food and feedstuffs.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2-Nitropropane storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Separate from amines, alkalies, acids, oxidizing materials, metal oxides, and combustibles. Outside or detached storage is preferred /nitropropanes/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Nitropropane incompatible materials
Mixing oleum and 2-nitropropane in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Nitropropane reactivity
2-NITROPROPANE is sensitive to heat. Can react with amines/heavy metal oxides, strong acids, strong alkalis, and chlorosulfonic acid. (NTP, 1992). The heat of adsorption of this compound on carbon, such as that found in cartridge respirators, is extremely high. Metal oxide catalysts, such as copper oxide or manganese oxide, can initiate ignition, therefore carbon respirators should not be used in environments that have a high vapor concentration of this material.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Nitropropane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
2-Nitropropane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2-Nitropropane?
The CAS number of 2-Nitropropane is 79-46-9. Its EC number is 201-209-1.
What is the chemical formula of 2-Nitropropane?
The molecular formula of 2-Nitropropane is C3H7NO2 and its molecular weight is 89.09 g/mol.
What does a 2-Nitropropane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2-Nitropropane carries the pictograms Flame, Health hazard and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2-Nitropropane flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Nitropropane H226 — flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 24 °C (75.2 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2-Nitropropane a carcinogen?
Yes. CLP Annex VI classifies 2-Nitropropane as a category 1A or 1B carcinogen and assigns it H350: may cause cancer. IARC places it in Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 2-Nitropropane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2-Nitropropane is 25.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 2-Nitropropane?
The boiling point reported for 2-Nitropropane is 120.2 °C (248.4 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2-Nitropropane?
The melting point reported for 2-Nitropropane is -91.3 °C (-132.3 °F) (HSDB).
How should 2-Nitropropane be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Nitropropane the storage statement P403. Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Separate from amines, alkalies, acids, oxidizing materials, metal oxides, and combustibles. Outside or detached storage is preferred /nitropropanes/ (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
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