Getting to Know 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile: Handling Chemical Risk in Everyday Labs

Identification

Substance Name: 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile
Chemical Formula: C7H3F2N
Chemical Family: Aromatic Nitrile
Common Use: Intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: No distinctive smell for most people
CAS Number: 1897-52-5

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Eye and skin irritant
GHS Labels: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Potential Health Effects: Causes irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; toxic if swallowed
Other Considerations: Vapors may aggravate asthma or pre-existing lung conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile
Concentration: Typically 98% or higher in technical grade samples
Impurities: Related fluoroaromatic compounds may be present in low amounts

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air right away; seek medical attention for any breathing trouble
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing; wash skin with plenty of running water
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for at least 15 minutes; get medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and go for immediate medical assistance

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or water spray
Specific Hazards: Burns can produce toxic fumes such as hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Advice for Responders: Stay upwind, and avoid breathing smoke or vapors

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat
Containment: Ventilate area, stop leak if safe, use inert absorbent to collect spill
Cleanup: Shovel solid material into suitable container for disposal; wipe remaining traces with damp disposable towels
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains, soil, or surface water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; keep dust to a minimum by handling in well-ventilated area or fume hood
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool and dry location, away from incompatible substances like strong bases, acids, and oxidizers
Storage Container: Use chemical-resistant, airtight bottles clearly labeled
General Warning: Store away from food and drink; maintain proper inventory to prevent excess accumulation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in exhaust-ventilated fume hood or use local ventilation
Personal Protection: Wear nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, and lab coat; if dust generation risk is high, wear particulate respirator
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits found for this substance; rely on good chemical hygiene and lab practices
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Crystalline solid
Molecular Weight: 139.10 g/mol
Melting Point: Around 43-45°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 210-215°C
Density: About 1.29 g/cm³ at room temperature
Solubility: Low in water, higher in organic solvents like acetone or dimethyl sulfoxide
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Flash Point: Not particularly prone to ignite but care is still necessary

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard lab and storage conditions
Reactivity: Can react with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers producing hazardous gases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide in fire or decomposition event
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizing and reducing agents

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Swallowing causes headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect respiratory health or lead to sensitization
Skin Sensitization: Some users may develop dermatitis from repeated contact
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by leading global agencies
Animal Testing: Toxicity demonstrated in rodents through oral exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms even at relatively low concentrations
Persistence: Not readily biodegradable; tends to persist in the environment
Mobility: Limited water solubility, but can spread in soil and aquatic systems
Bioaccumulation: Potential for accumulation in fish or other wildlife
Impact: Avoid release to waterways or soil to cut down ecological damage

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect leftover material in sealed, labeled containers; hand off to a qualified hazardous waste processor
Disposal Method: Burning in chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber is common at facilities allowed to take this type of waste
Do Not: Do not pour down drains, sewers, or into the environment

Transport Information

Transport Classification: Governed by international road, rail, air, and sea transport codes because of its toxic and irritant profile
Proper Shipping Name: Use correct chemical identity at all times during shipment
Packing Group: Typically Group III for less dangerous substances but still treat all shipments with care
Special Handling: Packages must be sealed, clearly marked, handled only by trained staff

Regulatory Information

Global Inventory: Registered under several chemical inventories such as REACH in the European Union
Safety Standards: Subject to workplace safety requirements and lab standards depending on country
Restrictions: Sale and use tightly controlled in some areas due to toxicity and environmental concerns
Labeling: Compliant with international GHS hazard communication standards