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Chemical Name: 2-Methyl-5-nitroimidazole
Common Synonyms: No widely recognized commercial synonyms
CAS Number: 13308-51-5
Recognizable Appearance: Pale to yellowish solid, fine powder
Odor: Usually faint or none, not a reliable identifier
Uses: Often found in pharmaceutical research, intermediate for chemical synthesis, antibacterial studies
Molecular Formula: C4H5N3O2
Molecular Weight: 127.1 g/mol
Main Hazards: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory tract discomfort, harmful if swallowed, possible toxic effects on organs through prolonged exposure
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritant effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Itchy or red skin, watery or burning eyes, sore throat, coughing if inhaled, gastrointestinal distress if swallowed
Possible Long-term Risks: Uncertain carcinogenicity, but nitroimidazoles as a group have raised concerns in research studies
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, nervous system based on structurally similar compounds
Pure Substance: Contains only 2-Methyl-5-nitroimidazole
Concentration: 97% or higher in most laboratory settings
Impurities: Minor byproducts from synthesis, generally unlisted unless above 1%
Physical Form: Crystalline powder or granular solid
Eye Contact: Rinse under lukewarm running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids apart, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical attention if discomfort continues
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, encourage slow deep breathing, get medical attention for persistent cough or breathing difficulties
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical advice, note symptoms for healthcare providers
Critical Exposure: Monitor for allergic reactions, observe for delayed onset symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Special Hazards: Burning can produce toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides
Thermal Decomposition: Releases irritating and potentially hazardous gases
Firefighter Protection: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Precautions: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, keep containers cool with water spray
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and lab coat, avoid inhaling dust, keep unprotected individuals away
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Procedure: Use a dustpan or HEPA vacuum to collect spilled material, avoid generating airborne dust, dispose of in labeled waste containers
Decontamination: Wash spill area with soap solution after cleanup
Handling: Open and use in a well-ventilated fume hood, avoid creating or inhaling dusts, always wash hands after use, never eat or drink in work areas
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ignition sources, keep tightly sealed in original containers, avoid storing with incompatible materials like strong oxidizers
Handling Restrictions: Only trained personnel should handle in quantities above laboratory scale
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, laboratory fume hood, avoid recirculating air
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or particulate respirator for bulk handling
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves made of nitrile, latex or vinyl
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin and Body Protection: Lab coat, closed-toe shoes, avoid contact with bare skin
Hygiene: Thorough hand-washing after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Physical State: Solid
Color: Light yellow to beige
Odor: Minimal or none
Melting Point: Approximate range, 131–133°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and polar organic solvents
pH: Data not widely reported, but slightly acidic solution is expected
Vapor Pressure: Low, not a significant inhalation risk under normal conditions
Other Properties: Stable in dry state, sensitive to strong acids and bases
Stability: Chemically stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Decomposition: Combustion yields nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, alkalis
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, exposure to moisture, strong acids or bases
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if ingested, may cause irritation to respiratory tract on inhalation
Skin/Eye Irritation: Possible irritation with direct contact, redness or stinging
Long-term Exposure: Nitroimidazoles have shown organ toxicity with frequent exposure, possible carcinogenicity cannot be ruled out without more data
Sensitization: Not well established, but sensitization risk increases with chronic or repeated contact
Mutagenicity: In vitro studies with related compounds suggest potential for DNA interaction, more research is needed
Routes of Exposure: Oral, dermal, inhalation
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing respiratory, hepatic, or renal conditions may worsen with exposure
Ecotoxicity: Data is sparse, but structurally related compounds can be toxic to aquatic organisms at moderate concentrations
Persistence/Degradability: Stable in environment, slow degradation, potential to bioaccumulate in water or soil
Mobility in Soil: Expected moderate mobility due to partial water solubility
Aquatic Toxicity: May poison aquatic invertebrates and fish at elevated concentrations, avoid accidental release
Environmental Risk Management: Prevent large quantities from entering surface or groundwater
Waste Disposal: Incineration in approved chemical waste facility, follow local and national regulations
Avoid: Flushing down drains or discarding in landfill
Container Cleanup: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed, labels defaced, and managed as hazardous waste
Regulatory Requirements: Hazardous chemical waste, specific requirements vary by jurisdiction
UN Number & Classification: Not specifically listed in major transport regulations
Transport Hazards: Not considered highly flammable or explosive, but requires labeling as hazardous chemical
Packaging Requirements: Leak-proof, secure packaging, avoid breakage or spillage
Precautions for Transport: Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and stacking with incompatible materials
Restrictions: Possible limitations on bulk quantities, consult current guidelines before shipping internationally
TSCA Status: Not subject to widespread commercial regulation
OSHA Hazard Category: Considered hazardous due to irritant and toxic effects
EPA Hazardous Waste: May qualify as hazardous waste if discarded in bulk
Labeling: Requires warning labels showing irritant/toxic hazard
Workplace Limits: No specific exposure limits set by OSHA or ACGIH, prudent practices necessary
Other Agency Notices: Handle using general chemical safety guidelines found in lab and industrial safety standards
