What is 2-Nitropropane?

Hexafluoroacetone (CF₃-CO-CF₃) is an organic compound. It is colourless, absorbent, non-flammable, highly reactive gas and it has a musty smell. Hexafluoroacetone sesquihydrate (1.5 H2O) is the most common form of this substance. Hexafluoroacetone is highly reactive in nature; it reacts vigorously with water to form corrosive acids and in the presence of humidity, the reaction of hexafluoroacetone with most metals will generate white fumes of hydrogen gas. Hexafluoroacetone will also undergo violent reactions in the presence of alkali.

What is 2-Nitropropane used for?

2-Nitropropane is mostly used as a solvent and chemical intermediate. As a solvent, it is used in inks, paints, adhesives, varnishes, polymers and synthetic materials. It is also used as a co-solvent or solvent with many resins, and these solvent-resin mixtures are used as coatings for beverage cans. It is also used in the manufacturing of 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. It is also a component of explosives, rocket fuel, and as an additive in fuels for internal combustion engines for hobbyists and racing cars.

2-Nitropropane Hazards

Daily people can be exposed to 2-Nitropropane, mainly through its use in coatings for beverage cans and adhsives for films, with an estimated exposure of around 50–100 mg. This includes tiny amounts from food packaging (3 ng) and vegetable oils (30 ng). Smokers get an extra 1.2 μg per cigarette.

Potential occupational exposure of 2-Nitropropane occurs during its manufacture, formulation and use in industrial construction, maintenance, printing, highway maintenance and food packaging due to much higher levels, with air concentrations in workplaces reaching up to 6,000 mg/m³.

The main routes of exposure to 2-Nitropropane are inhaling, swallowing, skin contact, and eye contact.

Acute Effect

Severe liver and some kidney damage have been observed in workers who were fatally poisoned by inhaling high concentrations of 2-nitropropane. Tests on rats and mice show that 2-nitropropane has moderate to high acute toxicity from inhalation and moderate acute toxicity from swallowing.

Chronic Effect

Long-term inhalation exposure to 2-nitropropane has caused nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and lung irritation in workers. In rats and other animals, chronic inhalation has led to liver damage, and mild lung effects have been observed in rats and rabbits. The Reference Concentration (RfC) for 2-nitropropane is 0.02 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³) based on liver effects in rats. The EPA has not established a Reference Dose (RfD) for 2-nitropropane.

Reproductive/Developmental Effects

There is no information on the reproductive or developmental effects of 2-nitropropane in humans. An animal study reported fetal toxicity, specifically delayed heart development, in rats injected with 2-nitropropane.

Cancer Risk

One human study did not find any trends indicating an increased risk of cancer from exposure to 2-nitropropane. However, an animal study found multiple liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinomas) in rats. The EPA has classified 2-nitropropane as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen and has calculated a provisional inhalation unit risk factor of 0.0027 (µg/m³)⁻¹.

2-Nitropropane Safety

First Aid Measures

• Eye Contact: Remove any contact lenses and flush eyes with plenty of warm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
• Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, cover irritated skin with an emollient, and seek medical attention if irritation develops.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, provide oxygen. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Serious Inhalation: Evacuate the victim to a safe area, loosen tight clothing, and provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (only if it is safe to do so). Seek immediate medical attention.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities are swallowed, call a physician immediately and loosen tight clothing.

Fire and Explosion Information

• Flammability: 2-Nitropropane is flammable.
  • Auto-Ignition Temperature: 428°C (802.4°F)
  • Flash Points: Closed Cup: 27.778°C (82°F); Open Cup: 24°C (75.2°F)
• Fire Hazards: Highly flammable in the presence of open flames and sparks of heat; flammable in the presence of oxidizing materials. Non-flammable in the presence of shocks. Slightly explosive in the presence of open flames and sparks of heat.

Firefighting:

• Use dry chemical powder for small fires.
• Use alcohol foam, water spray, or fog for large fires.
• Cool containers with a water jet to prevent pressure build-up, auto-ignition, or explosion.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, and containers may explode when heated.
• Decomposition or polymerization may occur explosively under fire conditions.

2-Nitropropane Safety Handling

Engineering Controls

• Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to ensure that airborne concentrations of 2-nitropropane vapors stay below their threshold limit values.
• Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation.

Engineering Controls

• Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to ensure that airborne concentrations of 2-nitropropane vapors stay below their threshold limit values.
• Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety glasses
• Lab coat
• Approved/vapor respirator
• Gloves

Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill

• Splash goggles
• Full suit
• Vapour respirator
• Boots
• Gloves
• A self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling the product
• Consult a specialist before handling to ensure appropriate protective clothing.