Agent Name |
Diazomethane |
CAS Number |
334-88-3 |
Formula |
C-H2-N2 |
Major Category |
Nitrogen Compounds |
Synonyms |
Acomethylene; Azimethylene; Diazirine; Diazomethane; Diazonium methylide; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Other Nitrogen Compounds |
Description |
Yellow gas with a musty odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Diazomethane is used as a methylating agent for acidic compounds. An explosive, it is not manufactured for distribution. [ACGIH] "Because of its toxicity and its explosive nature, diazomethane is freshly prepared in situ and used in solution of ether or dioxane." [ICSC] |
Comments |
Toxicity in experimental animals resembles that of phosgene. [ACGIH] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; May cause asthma after repeated or prolonged exposures; [ICSC] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.2 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
0.2 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
2 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
The only available acute inhalation toxicity data concerning diazomethane is the statement by Patty [1963] that a 10�minute exposure to 175 ppm was lethal for cats [Flury and Zernik 1931]. This concentration is obviously too high for an IDLH. ACGIH [1971] reported that the toxicity of diazomethane seems comparable to that of phosgene. Therefore, the chosen IDLH is based on an analogy with phosgene, which has an IDLH of 2 ppm. |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (cats) = 175 ppm/10M |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Adverse Effects |
Asthma |
Yes |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
IARC Carcinogen |
Not Classifiable |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: DIAZOMETHANE
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