Material Safety Data Sheet: Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)

Identification

Product Name: Toluene Diisocyanate
Chemical Formula: C9H6N2O2
Synonyms: 2,4-TDI, 2,6-TDI, TDI
CAS Numbers: 584-84-9 (2,4-TDI), 91-08-7 (2,6-TDI)
Recommended Uses: Production of polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, elastomers, and sealants
Supplier Contact: Emergency phone numbers listed on package, local poison control information, manufacturer's customer care line

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 2, Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 2, Respiratory Sensitization Category 1, Skin Sensitization Category 1, Carcinogenicity Category 2, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3
Hazard Statements: Causes severe irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; suspected of causing cancer; may cause allergic skin and respiratory reactions; toxic if inhaled; may cause respiratory distress and asthma-like symptoms
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard, corrosion
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or spray; avoid contact with eyes and skin; use personal protective equipment; seek medical attention for symptoms; keep container tightly closed; wash thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Toluene Diisocyanate
Concentration: 98%–100%
Impurities: Polymeric forms, trace water, by-products of manufacturing process
CAS Numbers: 584-84-9 (2,4 Isomer), 91-08-7 (2,6 Isomer)
Other Compounds: No hazardous additives or fillers detected at concentrations requiring classification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure area to fresh air, keep at rest in position comfortable for breathing, seek immediate medical attention, supply oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with soap and water (warm if possible, but not hot), do not rub, seek medical advice for any skin reaction or if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical attention, do not use neutralizing agents
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek medical attention immediately, do not induce vomiting
Notes to Physicians: Symptoms may develop hours after exposure, pulmonary edema possible, consider observation at hospital for exposed individuals

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use direct water stream due to potential violent reaction)
Specific Hazards: Toxic and irritating gases released under fire conditions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, dense black smoke
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical splash suit, boots and gloves for fire personnel
Special Procedures: Remove containers from area if safe, cool containers with water spray, contain runoff to prevent contamination of water supply

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, use positive pressure respirator, chemical splash suit, gloves, boots, and eye protection, avoid breathing vapors, avoid skin contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, or soil, notify local environmental authorities if spill may reach environment
Containment: Dike the area with inert material (sand), absorb with vermiculite or earth, avoid direct water application on spill
Clean-up Methods: Scoop or vacuum spilled material into appropriate containers for disposal, decontaminate area with ammonia solution (neutralizer), collect waste for authorized hazardous waste facility

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle only with suitable exhaust ventilation and chemical protection gear, avoid release of vapors or mist, close containers tightly after use, prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking during handling, wash thoroughly after exposure
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, oxidizing agents, moisture, acids, tightly closed in labeled containers, segregate from incompatibles (water, bases, amines, alcohols), temperature control between 10°C and 30°C, prevent container corrosion and pressure build-up

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (0.02 ppm TWA), ACGIH TLV (0.005 ppm TWA); skin and respiratory sensitizer notation
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hoods, emergency shower and eyewash stations at workplace, continuous air monitoring for TDI vapors
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirators (air-purifying with organic vapor cartridge, or supplied air system for higher concentrations), chemical-resistant nitrile or butyl gloves, long-sleeved chemical-proof suit, goggles with side shields, face shield if splash risk present, antistatic safety shoes
Hygiene Measures: Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse, prevent skin contact, keep work area clean and spill free

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Sharp, pungent, acid-like
Odor Threshold: 0.2 ppm (detectable by smell at low levels)
Melting Point: 20°C (68°F) (varies by isomer and mixture)
Boiling Point: 251°C (484°F)
Flash Point: 127°C (261°F, closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slow
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg (20°C)
Vapor Density: 6.0 (air = 1)
Solubility in Water: Reacts slowly with water, producing CO2 and insoluble polyurea
Specific Gravity: 1.22 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.1
Viscosity: 3 mPa.s (25°C)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 635°C (1175°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in original containers if kept dry, sealed, away from light and incompatible materials
Reactivity: Reacts violently with water, alcohols, amines, acids and bases, with rapid carbon dioxide release that can cause container rupture
Hazardous Reactions: Polymerization possible if contaminated with water, productive of heat and gaseous by-products, violent exothermic reactions with strong bases and amines
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, traces of phosgene, hydrogen cyanide
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, moisture, direct sunlight, poor ventilation

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Toxic by inhalation (LC50 rat 11 ppm/4hr), moderate skin and eye irritant, may cause chemical burns
Chronic Toxicity: Sensitization with repeated exposure (asthma, chronic bronchitis, skin allergy), possible risk of cancer (IARC 2B- possible human carcinogen)
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact (ingestion not expected in industrial use)
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, skin redness and blistering, watery eyes, asthma attacks
Target Organs: Respiratory tract, skin, eyes
Reproductive Effects: Not proven, but chronic exposure discouraged for pregnant workers
Mutagenicity: Not established in humans, positive results in some animal studies

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms (EC50 Daphnia magna 0.24 mg/L, 48hr)
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrolyzes slowly in water, forms insoluble polyurea that settles out but remains in sediment, slow natural breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for TDI, breakdown products may persist
Soil Mobility: Low mobility initially; reacts quickly with surface water, forms dense by-products, limited leaching expected
Other Harmful Effects: May cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments if discharged in quantity

Disposal Considerations

Waste Methods: Dispose as hazardous chemical waste in accordance with local, national, and international guidelines, do not discharge to sewer
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, puncture to prevent reuse, send to licensed hazardous waste facility
Recommended Treatment: Incineration at approved site with appropriate emission control, neutralization with ammonia solution for small residues before disposal
Precautions: Avoid contact with water during transportation to disposal site, contain leaks and vapors, keep waste separate from incompatible materials

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2078
Proper Shipping Name: Toluene Diisocyanate
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Toxic, Keep Away From Water, Corrosive
Transport Precautions: Use compatible, sealed containers with secondary containment, storage upright, keep cool and dry, segregate from food and feedstuffs, inspect for leaks and corrosion before loading
Marine Pollutant: Yes

Regulatory Information

OSHA: TDI listed as hazardous substance, enforceable exposure limits, reporting required for significant spills
EPA: Listed under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), CERCLA reportable quantity 100 lbs, subject to SARA Title III reporting for releases
EU: REACH registered, subject to authorization for use, restricts wide consumer use, classified as Category 2 carcinogen, hazard statement codes H330, H315, H319, H334, H317
Other Listings: IARC Group 2B (possible human carcinogen), included on Canadian WHMIS and Australian Dangerous Goods codes