bromomethylbenzene

Poison Corrosive

ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 79 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Elemental bromine also burns the skin. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant and chronic exposure produces neuronal effects. This is called bromism and can result in central reactions reaching from somnolence to coma, cachexia, exicosis, loss of reflexes or pathologic reflexes, clonic seizures, tremor, ataxia, loss of neural sensitivity, paresis, papillar edema of the eyes, abnormal speech, cerebral edema, delirium, aggressiveness, and psychoses. (L625, L626, L627)

ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.

Polymerizable Compounds

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.

Oral (L626); inhalation (L626); dermal (L626)

NO open flames. Above 79 °C use a closed system and ventilation.

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of benzyl bromide stem from both its toxicologic and physical/chemical properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, oral, dermal, inhalation), exposure to benzyl bromide may occur environmentally from inhaling air contaminated by exhaust from automobiles using leaded gasoline, or occupationally from its use in research. This colorless to slightly yellow liquid is an intense irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; and, in large doses, can cause CNS depression. Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of the pungent smelling, benzyl bromide. If contact is anticipated (eg, if handling broken benzyl bromide containers), wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, gogg...

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

1737 156

Bromine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is able to release oxygen free radicals from the water in mucous membranes. These free radicals are also potent oxidizers and produce tissue damage. In additon, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation. The bromide ion is also known to affect the central nervous system, causing bromism. This is believed to be a result of bromide ions substituting for chloride ions in the in actions of neurotransmitters and transport systems, thus affecting numerous synaptic processes. (L626, L627, A543)

Symbol: Xi; R: 36/37/38; S: (2)-39

Polymerizable

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: II

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzyl bromide, which has a vapor pressure of 0.45 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl bromide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.3X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Benzyl bromide in methanol at low concentration (59.4 mg/L) does not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm but does at high concentration (297 mg/L)(4); therefore, benzyl bromide is not expected to be suscept...

Ingestion First Aid: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

BENZYL BROMIDE reacts with water, alcohols, common metals (except nickel and lead), bases, amines and oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992). This material stored over activated 4A molecular sieve burst a bottle due to condensation-polymerization reaction with generation of HBr gas, [Chem. Eng. News, 1979, 57(12), 74].

Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms include lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, eye irritation with mucous secretions from the oropharyngeal and upper airways, coughing, dyspnoea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis, and headache. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant producing ataxia, slurred speech, tremor, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, disorientation and hallucinations. This is called bromism. (L626, L627)

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Light sensitive. Moisture sensitive.

PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

World War I was the conflict, during which it was first used chemical warfare on a massive scale. The earliest chemical attack occurred on the Western Front in October 1914 in Neuve Chapelle, but its effects were so minimal that the Allies learned about it only after the war from German documents. The attack in the area Bolimow, made by the Germans against the Russian army with artillery shells containing gas T (xylyl and benzyl bromides), was therefore the first attack on a massive scale recorded on the victim side. The attack, which occurred after it made it possible to obtain some tactical success, but without a strategic breakthrough. Some of the later German attacks on the eastern front where chlorine was used proved to be more effective, but despite the many victims there was not...

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

Sensitive to exposure to light and moisture. Slightly soluble in water.

Benzyl bromide was identified in automotive emissions from cars burning leaded gasoline containing ethylene dibromide as a lead scavenger; the concentration detected was 1.4 ug/cu m(1).

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Skin contact can cause severe, irritation, redness, swelling and sores. High level can cause dizziness because it attacks the nervous system.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Evacuation: ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Chemical Assessment: IMAP assessments - Benzene, (bromomethyl)-: Environment tier I assessment

The Koc of benzyl bromide is estimated as 340(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.92(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that benzyl bromide is expected to have moderate mobility in soil. However, adsorption on moist soil is expected to be attenuated by hydrolysis(SRC), with a calucalted chemical hydrolysis half-life of 79 minutes(4).

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Placard/Label(s)

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, Hydrogen bromide gas

Spill or Leak: ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): · Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.

Benzyl bromide's production and use in the manufacture of foaming and frothing agents, and in organic synthesis(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its former use in leaded gasoline(2) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

Eye Irrit. 2

Lachrymation. The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.

An estimated BCF of 39 was calculated in fish for benzyl bromide(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.92(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). However, bioconcentration is expected to be attenuated by hydrolysis(SRC), with a calucalted chemical hydrolysis half-life of 79 minutes(4).

Above 79 °C explosive vapor/air mixtures may be formed.

49 360 10; Benzyl bromide (bromotoluene, alpha)

The Henry's Law constant for benzyl bromide is estimated as 6.9X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that benzyl bromide is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 6 days(SRC). However, volatilization may be pre-empted by hydrolysis(3,4). Benzyl bromide's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Benzyl bromide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based...

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... .Treat se...

PAC-3: 160 [mg/m3]

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of benzyl bromide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.3X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 7 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The rate constant for chemical hydrolysis of benzyl bromide at 25 °C was estimated to be 1.45X10-4 sec-1 based on an experimentally derived rate constant of 2.75X10-4 sec-1 at 30 °C(2,3). Using these data, the half-life for chemical hydrolysis of benzyl bromide at 25 °C has been estimated to be 79 minutes(2). At a relatively low concentration (59.4 mg/L) benzyl bromide in methanol exhibits almost no absorption of UV light at wavelengths >29...

Occupational exposure to benzyl bromide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where benzyl bromide is produced or used. Limited monitoring data indicated that the general population may have been exposed to benzyl bromide via inhalation of automobile exhaust from vehicles using leaded gasoline. (SRC)

Benzyl bromide's production and use in the manufacture of foaming and frothing agents, and in organic synthesis may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its former use in leaded gasoline resulted in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.45 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates benzyl bromide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl bromide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days. Benzyl bromide at low concentration (59.4 mg/L) does not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm but does at high concentration (297 mg/L); therefore, it is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolys...

IMO 6.1; Benzyl bromide

Emergency Response: ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): · ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

Intensely irritating and corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

Protective Clothing: ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl bromide): · Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.