Chemical Name: N,N-Diisopropylcarbodiimide
Common Uses: Dehydrating agent often seen in peptide synthesis, activating carboxylic acids
Chemical Formula: C7H14N2
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Characteristic, pungent smell recognizable in a lab
Synonyms: DIC, Diisopropylcarbodiimide
CAS Number: 693-13-0
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation; inhalation can trigger respiratory discomfort; flammable liquid and vapor
Risk Phrases: Exposure irritates mucous membranes and may lead to sensitization; large volumes introduce risk of harmful dust clouds
Signal Words: Warning notices on labeling, with special mention for those with existing respiratory issues
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors and direct skin contact, keep away from ignition sources, use in well-ventilated areas
NFPA Ratings: Health: 2 | Flammability: 2 | Reactivity: 1
Noteworthy Symptoms: Persistent cough, skin redness, watery eyes, discomfort on inhalation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could lead to severe dermatitis, respiratory sensitization
Main Ingredient: N,N-Diisopropylcarbodiimide
Purity: Typically above 98%, trace impurities influence stability and handling
Additives: Labs rarely cut DIC with stabilizers; purity and unblended composition matter for research accuracy
Other Constituents: May contain traces of isopropyl amines or hydrolysis byproducts from improper storage
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, observe for persistent coughing or labored breathing; seek medical intervention for respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected area thoroughly with water; soap and extended washing reduce risk of delayed irritation
Eye Contact: Irrigate eyes with gentle stream of clean water for at least 15 minutes; avoid rubbing, optometric follow-up if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth without swallowing, do not induce vomiting; supportive care in medical setting is critical
Delayed Symptoms: Sensitization reactions or dermatitis can appear hours after exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam; avoid direct water jets which spread chemical
Hazardous Decomposition: Combustion liberates toxic nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons; fumes can complicate evacuation
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant gear
Firefighting Precautions: Keep containers cool with water spray to avoid rupture, contain run-off to prevent environmental spread
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and eye protection, ventilated mask recommended
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage into drains and soil, collect all runoff with absorbent material
Containment Methods: Dike spill area, use inert absorbent such as sand or vermiculite, avoid dust generation
Cleanup Procedures: Collect in sealable, labeled containers for controlled disposal; wash down the spill area after removal
Safe Handling Tips: Pour with ventilation, cap immediately after use, avoid splashing
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly closed containers, away from moisture, strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Temperature Guidelines: Room temperature works, extreme heat increases pressure and risks
Incompatible Materials: Reacts with water, acids, bases, and strong oxidizers to release amines or hazardous gases
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation provide needed protection; splash guards improve lab safety
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coats, closed-toe shoes; for heavy use, face shields and respirators
Exposure Limits: No large-scale federal occupational exposure limit set, experts recommend minimizing vapor and skin contact
Hygiene Practices: Wash thoroughly after handling, change contaminated clothing quickly, keep food and drink away from chemical work areas
State: Liquid
Color: Clear to straw-yellow, may darken on exposure
Odor: Pungent, ammonia-like
Boiling Point: Roughly 160°C
Melting Point: Drops below -60°C, remains liquid in most lab environments
Flash Point: About 49°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility: Low solubility in water, highly miscible with most organics like ethyl acetate, toluene, dichloromethane
Density: Around 0.83 g/cm³
Stability: Sensitive to hydrolysis, darkens over time with light or air exposure
Chemical Stability: Unstable under humid or wet conditions; slow formation of ureas and decomposition products
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids or oxidants liberates heat and toxic gases; reacts with water to form isopropyl amines and carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Not reported as a polymerizing hazard, but slow degradation affects storage life
Incompatible Conditions: High humidity, open flames, strong alkalis, and oxidizers shorten product shelf life and risk container breach
Possible Routes of Exposure: Skin absorption, inhalation from volatile fumes, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Red, itchy skin, sore throat, coughing, burning eyes on contact
Chronic Effects: Allergic dermatitis, respiratory sensitization noticeable in laboratory workers with repeat exposure
Animal Studies: Lab testing indicates moderate oral and dermal toxicity; contact increases irritation risk
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic, but persistent exposure lacks long-term study support
Sensitization: Seeds allergic skin reactions in a fraction of workers, mostly after repeated lab contacts
Environmental Impact: Not readily biodegradable; spills threaten aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic invertebrates in undiluted form
Mobility: Low volatility in soil, but persistent in water, risking contamination of groundwater
Bioaccumulation: Lacks documented cases; decomposition in environment produces simpler, still-harmful byproducts
Ecotoxicity Prevention: Take steps to block chemical from entering municipal water systems or soil
Recommended Disposal Methods: Incinerate in a chemical waste facility or coordinated collection in sealed containers
Precautions: Do not pour down sinks; specialized destruction needed to avoid environmental damage
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, puncture to avoid reuse, treat as hazardous waste
Regulatory Compliance: Labs should consult local hazardous chemical agencies for protocols, documentation for disposal should be up to date
Transport Classification: Flammable liquid labeling required by air, ground, or sea; Division 3 label under international code
Packing Group: Intermediate risk, avoid bulk shipment in unventilated trailers
Special Handling Instructions: Containers need firm seals, avoid stacking or rough movement during transit
Accident Prevention on Transport: Carry spill kits, specify emergency instructions with each batch, keep shipments dry and temperature-controlled
Labeling Requirements: Clearly display hazard pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements as per GHS, OSHA standards
Regulatory Listings: Chemical covered by workplace hazardous substance inventories; not a scheduled drug, but professional users report to local chemical authorities
Control Measures: Annual inventory, risk assessment procedures, lab inspection protocols support regulatory compliance
Employee Training: Proper handling and emergency procedures shared with all who might use or store this reagent