Substance profile
2-Nitrotoluene
2-Nitrotoluene is a yellowish liquid at ordinary temperature with a weak, aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Nitrotoluene is
2-Nitrotoluene is a yellowish liquid at ordinary temperature with a weak, aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C7H7NO2 and its molecular weight is 137.14 g/mol. It boils at 222 °C, melts at -9.5 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
02 · Identifiers
2-Nitrotoluene identifiers and molecular data
2-Nitrotoluene CAS number and EC number
2-Nitrotoluene molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
2-Nitrotoluene hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2-Nitrotoluene pictograms and signal word
2-Nitrotoluene hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Germ cell mutagenicity GHS chapter 3.5 | Category 1A or 1B | H340 | GHS08 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 1A or 1B | H350 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 2 | H411 | GHS09 |
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-Nitrotoluene hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H340 | May cause genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2-Nitrotoluene. 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-Nitrotoluene
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-Nitrotoluene 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-Nitrotoluene precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 11 precautionary statements to 2-Nitrotoluene. 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.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
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-Nitrotoluene 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-нитротолуен |
| Spanish español | 2-Nitrotolueno |
| Czech čeština | 2-nitrotoluen |
| Danish dansk | 2-nitrotoluen |
| German Deutsch | 2-Nitrotoluol |
| Estonian eesti | 2-nitrotolueen |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2-νιτροτολουόλιο |
| English English | 2-nitrotoluene |
| French français | 2-nitrotoluène |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2-nitrotoluen |
| Italian italiano | 2-nitrotoluene |
| Latvian latviešu | 2-nitrotoluols |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2-nitrotoluenas |
| Hungarian magyar | 2-nitrotoluol |
| Maltese Malti | 2-nitrotoluwen |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2-nitrotolueen |
| Polish polski | 2-nitrotoluen |
| Portuguese português | 2-nitrotolueno |
| Romanian română | 2-nitrotoluen |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2-nitrotoluén |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2-nitrotoluen |
| Finnish suomi | 2-nitrotolueeni |
| Swedish svenska | 2-nitrotoluen |
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-Nitrotoluene GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2-Nitrotoluene, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2-Nitrotoluene
- May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- May cause genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Suspected of damaging fertility.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2-Nitrotoluene in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2-Nitrotoluene health hazards and exposure limits
2-Nitrotoluene hazard summary
Nitrotoluenes (all isomers) have the potential to induce methemoglobinemia in the same manner as aniline and nitrobenzene. [ACGIH] Irritating to the eyes; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] Suspected germ cell mutagen (3B); [MAK]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
2-Nitrotoluene carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these studies,there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitrotoluene in male rats based on increased incidences of malignant mesothelioma, subcutaneous skin neoplasms, mammary gland fibroadenoma, and liver neoplasms. The increased incidences of lung neoplasms in male rats were also considered to be exposure related. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitrotoluene in female rats based on increased incidences of subcutaneous skin neoplasms and mammary gland fibroadenoma. The increased incidence of hepatocellular adenoma in female rats was also considered to be exposure related. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitrotoluene in male and female mice based on increased incidences of hemangiosarcoma, carcinoma of the large intestine (cecum), and hepatocellular neoplasms (females only).
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-504: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of o-Nitrotoluene (CASRN 88-72-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies) (2002 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of nitrotoluenes. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitrotoluene. Overall evaluation: Nitrotoluenes are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of nitrotoluenes. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitrotoluene. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 3- and 4-nitrotoluenes. Overall evaluation: Nitrotoluenes are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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-Nitrotoluene occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 5.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | TWA 5 ppm (30 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | TWA 2 ppm (11 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 200 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 200.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 200 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
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-Nitrotoluene 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-Nitrotoluene boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 222 °C (431.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 237.78 °C (460 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 222.22 °C (432 °F) | NIOSH |
2-Nitrotoluene melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -9.55 °C (14.8 °F) | alpha-form | HSDB |
| 54.44 °C (130 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -3.89 °C (25 °F) | NIOSH |
2-Nitrotoluene density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.16 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.1622 g/cm³ | at 19 °C | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether | HSDB | |
| SOL IN CHLOROFORM | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in carbon tetrachloride; miscible in ethanol and ethyl ether | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.1 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.1 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.185 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 95 °C (203 °F) | HSDB | |
| 106.11 °C (223 °F) | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 305 °C (581 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Nitrotoluene lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.47 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.2 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| 2.1 % by volume | CAMEO |
2-Nitrotoluene upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.8 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 4.72 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.7 (air = 1) | HSDB |
2-Nitrotoluene odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | 0.05 mg/l | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.05 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards" | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2-Nitrotoluene 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-Nitrotoluene fire potential
Comubstible when exposed to heat or open flame.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
2-Nitrotoluene storage and handling
2-Nitrotoluene safe storage
Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2-Nitrotoluene storage conditions
Store in a cool. dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Nitrotoluene incompatible materials
Decomposes on contact with strong oxidzers; strong acids; reducing agents; strong bases; ammonia, amines producing toxic fumes, causing fire and explosion hazard. Heat above 190 °C may cause explosive decomposition. Attacks some plastics, rubbers, and coatings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Nitrotoluene reactivity
O-NITROTOLUENE is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin aborption, targeting the blood, central nervous system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include, anoxia, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If it contacts the eye, the eye should be irrigated immediately. If it contacts the skin, the area should be washed with soap. If inhaled, respiratory support should be administered. Finally, if ingested, medical attention should be sought. It also reacts with sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen, sodium, tetranitromethane, reducing agents and strong oxidizers. It is very heat sensitive.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Nitrotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
2-Nitrotoluene — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2-Nitrotoluene?
The CAS number of 2-Nitrotoluene is 88-72-2. Its EC number is 201-853-3.
What is the chemical formula of 2-Nitrotoluene?
The molecular formula of 2-Nitrotoluene is C7H7NO2 and its molecular weight is 137.14 g/mol.
What does a 2-Nitrotoluene label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2-Nitrotoluene carries the pictograms Health hazard, Exclamation mark and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2-Nitrotoluene flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Nitrotoluene no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 95 °C (203 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2-Nitrotoluene a carcinogen?
Yes. CLP Annex VI classifies 2-Nitrotoluene as a category 1A or 1B carcinogen and assigns it H350: may cause cancer. IARC places it in Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 2-Nitrotoluene?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2-Nitrotoluene is 5.0 [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-Nitrotoluene?
The boiling point reported for 2-Nitrotoluene is 222 °C (431.6 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2-Nitrotoluene?
The melting point reported for 2-Nitrotoluene is -9.55 °C (14.8 °F), alpha-form (HSDB).
How should 2-Nitrotoluene be stored?
Store in a cool. dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to 2-Nitrotoluene
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