Substance profile
Trichloronitromethane
Trichloronitromethane is a slightly oily liquid with an intensely irritating tear gas odor.
01 · Identification
What Trichloronitromethane is
Trichloronitromethane is a slightly oily liquid with an intensely irritating tear gas odor. Its molecular formula is CCl3NO2 and its molecular weight is 164.37 g/mol. It boils at 112 °C, melts at -64 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 3rd degree.
02 · Identifiers
Trichloronitromethane identifiers and molecular data
Trichloronitromethane CAS number and EC number
Trichloronitromethane molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Trichloronitromethane
- chloropicrin
03 · GHS classification
Trichloronitromethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Trichloronitromethane pictograms and signal word
Trichloronitromethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 3 | H335 | GHS07 |
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.
Trichloronitromethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Trichloronitromethane. 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 Trichloronitromethane
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 Trichloronitromethane 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
Trichloronitromethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 17 precautionary statements to Trichloronitromethane. 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
Trichloronitromethane 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 | нитротрихлорометан хлоропикрин |
| Spanish español | Tricloronitrometano cloropicrina |
| Czech čeština | trichlornitromethan chlorpikrin |
| Danish dansk | trichlornitromethan chlorpicrin |
| German Deutsch | Trichlornitromethan Chlorpikrin |
| Estonian eesti | trikloronitrometaan kloropikriin |
| Greek ελληνικά | τριχλωρονιτρομεθάνιο χλωροπικρίνη |
| English English | trichloronitromethane chloropicrin |
| French français | trichloronitrométhane chloropicrine |
| Croatian hrvatski | triklornitrometan klorpikrin |
| Italian italiano | tricloronitrometano cloropicrina |
| Latvian latviešu | trihlornitrometāns hlorpikrīns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | trichlornitrometanas chlorpikrinas |
| Hungarian magyar | triklórnitrometán klórpikrin |
| Maltese Malti | trikloronitrometan kloropikrin |
| Dutch Nederlands | trichloornitromethaan chloorpicrine |
| Polish polski | trichloronitrometan chloropikrynanitrochloroform |
| Portuguese português | tricloronitrometano cloropicrina |
| Romanian română | tricloronitrometan cloropicrină |
| Slovak slovenčina | trichlórnitrometán chlórpikrín |
| Slovenian slovenščina | trikloronitrometan kloropikrin |
| Finnish suomi | trikloorinitrometaani kloropikriini |
| Swedish svenska | triklornitrometan klorpikrin |
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
Trichloronitromethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Trichloronitromethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Trichloronitromethane
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- May cause respiratory irritation.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- 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 ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- IF IN EYES:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Trichloronitromethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Trichloronitromethane health hazards and exposure limits
Trichloronitromethane hazard summary
Liquid causes second or third degree burns after short contact; [CHRIS] Volunteers cannot tolerate concentrations of 15 ppm for longer than one minute. Chloropicrin can cause lacrimation, vomiting, and then death from pulmonary edema. Animals in chronic inhalation studies suffer from necrosis of liver, kidney, and muscle tissues. [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [HSDB]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Trichloronitromethane carcinogenicity classification
Studied by the US National Toxicology Program: TR-065: Bioassay of Chloropicrin for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 76-06-2) (1978 )
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.
Trichloronitromethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 0.1 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 2 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 2.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 2 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
Trichloronitromethane 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.
Trichloronitromethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 112 °C (233.6 °F) | at 757 mmHg | HSDB |
| 112.22 °C (234 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 112.22 °C (234 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Trichloronitromethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -64 °C (-83.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -69.44 °C (-93 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -69.22 °C (-92.6 °F) | CAMEO |
Trichloronitromethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.66 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6448 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.64 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO |
Trichloronitromethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents, e.g. acetone, benzene, ethanol, methanol, carbon disulfide, diethyl ether, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Miscible with absolute alcohol; soluble in ether | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with acetic acid | HSDB |
Trichloronitromethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 18 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 16.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 24.002 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Trichloronitromethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Not combustible, but material if contaminated may explode when heated under confinement. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated. | HSDB |
Trichloronitromethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 5.7 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Trichloronitromethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Threshold odor concn: 1.1 ppm | HSDB | |
| Faint odor at 0.0073 mg/L | HSDB |
Trichloronitromethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | RELATIVELY INERT CHEMICALLY & NON-CORROSIVE TO COPPER, BRASS & BRONZE BUT ATTACKS IRON, ZINC & OTHER LIGHT METALS | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Trichloronitromethane 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.
Fire and explosion
During addition of the nitrocompound in methanol to sodium methoxide solution, the temperature must not be allowed to fall much below 50 °C. If this happens , excess nitro compound will accumulate and cause a violent and dangerous exotherm.
Source: HSDB
An insecticidal mixture in a rail tank exploded with great violence during pump transfer operations, possibly owing to the pump running dry and overheating. Both components of the mixture are explosive and the mixture was also found to be shock and heat sensitive.
Source: HSDB
Odor
The odor threshold is reportedly 0.78 ppm for chloropicrin. Definitive exposure-response data for humans comes from sensory irritation studies conducted with human volunteers. More sensitive individuals exposed for 20-30 minutes reported chloropicrin concentration of 150 ppb (0.150 ppm) to be detectable as determined by notable ocular and nasal irritation. Exposure to 50 ppb (0.050 ppm) was reported as a No- Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for volunteer subjects (males and females; ages 18-35 years and including sensitive individuals).
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
Trichloronitromethane storage and handling
Trichloronitromethane safe storage
Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Cooled. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Trichloronitromethane storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Trichloronitromethane incompatible materials
Incompatible with strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Trichloronitromethane reactivity
CHLOROPICRIN is a powerful irritant affecting all body surfaces, more toxic then chlorine. It can be shocked into detonation. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of chlorine gas and nitrogen oxides [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 821]. It produces a violent reaction with aniline [Jackson, K. E., Chem. Rev., 1934, 14, p. 269] or strong bases in the presence of alcohols (alkoxides) [Ramsey, B. G., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1966, 88, p. 3059]. An insecticidal mixture of the nitrocompound and 3-bromopropyne exploded violently, initiated by an overheated pump during a railcar transfer operation, [BCISC Quart. Safety Summ., 1968, 39, 12].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Trichloronitromethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Trichloronitromethane UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
The same CAS number is shipped under more than one UN number. Which entry applies follows from the form and the concentration of the consignment — read the proper shipping name, not the CAS.
Trichloronitromethane under UN 1580 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHLOROPICRIN | 6.1 | T1 | I | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloropicrin | 6.1 | I | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
Trichloronitromethane under UN 1583 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHLOROPICRIN MIXTURE, N.O.S. | 6.1 | T1 | I | |
| CHLOROPICRIN MIXTURE, N.O.S. | 6.1 | T1 | II | |
| CHLOROPICRIN MIXTURE, N.O.S. | 6.1 | T1 | III | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloropicrin mixtures, n.o.s | 6.1 | I | |
| Chloropicrin mixtures, n.o.s | 6.1 | II | |
| Chloropicrin mixtures, n.o.s | 6.1 | III | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Trichloronitromethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Trichloronitromethane?
The CAS number of Trichloronitromethane is 76-06-2. Its EC number is 200-930-9.
What is the chemical formula of Trichloronitromethane?
The molecular formula of Trichloronitromethane is CCl3NO2 and its molecular weight is 164.37 g/mol.
What does a Trichloronitromethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Trichloronitromethane carries the pictogram Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is Trichloronitromethane flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Trichloronitromethane 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.
Is Trichloronitromethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Trichloronitromethane. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for Trichloronitromethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Trichloronitromethane is 0.1 [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 Trichloronitromethane?
The boiling point reported for Trichloronitromethane is 112 °C (233.6 °F), at 757 mmHg (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Trichloronitromethane?
The melting point reported for Trichloronitromethane is -64 °C (-83.2 °F) (HSDB).
How should Trichloronitromethane be stored?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials. Outside or detached storage is preferred. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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