diazomethane

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Not Classified

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P317, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P377, P381, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer immediately for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. Keep rinsing during transport for medical attention.

Unlikely under occupational conditions.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diazomethane:

Eye: FROSTBITE - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin: FROSTBITE - If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.

Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Excerpt from ERG Guide 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable]:

DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

If material /is/ on fire or involved in /a/ fire use dry chemical, dry sand, or carbon dioxide. Do not use water on material itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities as spray and fog. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Fires involving diazomethane should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Diazomethane will explode in a fire. The fire area should be evacuated immediately. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and deny entry. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors are an explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers.

... Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. ...

Excerpt from ERG Guide 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1953 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

In the event of a spill or leak involving diazomethane, persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from contaminated areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps should be undertaken following a spill or leak: Notify safety personnel. Remove all sources of heat and ignition. Ventilate potentially explosive atmospheres. Provide and require the use of fully-encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing and equipment for cleanup personnel. If possible without risk, stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. If the leak is in the liquid form, allow diazomethane to evaporate.

Decompose chemically with ceric ammonium nitrate under constant agitation and cooling.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

DIAZOMETHANE MAY BE DISPOSED OF BY BURNING AT SAFE LOCATION OR IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE.

EXPLOSIVE (USE SAFETY SCREEN), INSIDIOUS POISON (WELL-VENTILATED HOOD IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY), AVOID VAPOR.

If material /is/ not on fire and not involved in /a/ fire, keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Do not use water on material itself. Neutralize spilled material with crushed limestone, soda ash, or lime.

Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

If diazomethane contacts the skin, workers should flush the affected areas immediately with plenty of water, followed by washing with soap and water. Clothing contaminated with diazomethane should be removed immediately, and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous properties of diazomethane, particularly its potential for causing severe irritation.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for DIAZOMETHANE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)

Solutions of diazomethane should not be stored.

Diazomethane should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. Containers of diazomethane should be protected from shock, heat, sparks, open flames and physical damage and should be stored separately from alkali metals, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, boiling stones, or copper powder. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Empty containers of diazomethane should be handled appropriately.

Because of its toxicity and its explosive nature, diazomethane is freshly prepared in situ and used in solution of ether or dioxane. ...

... Diazomethane must be stored to avoid contact with alkali metals , such as lithium, sodium, or potassium; or drying agents such as calcium sulfate, since violent reactions occur. Safety barriers or shields should be used to protect workers from accidental explosions. ...

0.60 [ppm]

6.6 [ppm]

40 [ppm]

0.2 ppm (0.4 mg/m³)

TWA 0.2 ppm (0.4 mg/m3)

0.2 [ppm]

2 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

2.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: The only available acute inhalation toxicity data concerning diazomethane is the statement by Patty [1963] that a 10­minute 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.

See: 334883

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.2 ppm.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A2; Suspected human carcinogen.

0.2 ppm as TWA; A2 (suspected human carcinogen).

0.2 ppm [1970]

carcinogen category: 2

A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. Inhalation of the vapour may cause asthma-like reactions (RADS). The liquid may cause frostbite. Exposure above the OEL could cause death. Medical observation is indicated.

Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diazomethane:

Skin: FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Eyes: FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: FROSTBITE WASH - Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating. (NIOSH, 2024)

Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in preventing skin contact with diazomethane. The selection of the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves, encapsulating suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential exposure to diazomethane. There are no published reports on the resistance of various materials to permeation by diazomethane.

To evaluate the use of PPE materials with diazomethane, users should consult the best available performance data and manufacturers' recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl) produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of a mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat components.

Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that involve diazomethane.

Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long, minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for DIAZOMETHANE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 2 ppm:

(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:

(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister

Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Diazomethane is a yellow gas with a musty odor that is shipped as a liquid under pressure. (NIOSH, 2024) Highly toxic by inhalation.

Yellow gas with a musty odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas; [NIOSH]

YELLOW GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Yellow gas with a musty odor.

Yellow gas with a musty odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Yellow gas [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas]

Musty odor

-9 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

-23 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-229 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

Flammable gas

NA (Gas)

Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)

Soluble in ... benzene, alcohol

Very soluble in ether and dioxane

Decomposes in water

Solubility in water: reaction

Relative density (water = 1): 1.45

1.45 @25 °C

1.45(relative gas density)

1.45 (NIOSH, 2024) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

1.45 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 1.4

greater than 1 atm (NIOSH, 2024)

Vapor pressure, kPa at 25 °C: 520

2.00 (estimated)

Explodes at 100 °C (212 °F) or if impurities are present, at lower temperatures. Vapor may explode at temperatures above 200 °C (392 °F).

100 °C (explosion)

WHEN HEATED TO DECOMPOSITION ... EMITS HIGHLY TOXIC FUMES OF /NITROGEN OXIDES./ SRP: DIAZOMETHANE DOES NOT NEED TO DECOMPOSE TO EMIT TOXIC FUMES.

Copper powder causes active decomposition with the evolution of nitrogen and the formation of insoluble white flakes of polymethylene.

Undiluted liquid and concentrated solutions may explode violently, especially if impurities are present. Gaseous diazomethane may explode on heating to 100 °C or on rough glass surfaces. Ground glass apparatus and glass stirrers with glass sleeve bearings where grinding may occur, should not be used. Alkali metals also produce explosions with diazomethane. Soluble in ether, dioxane. Such solutions decompose only slowly at low temperatures. Decomposition is more rapid if alcohols or water are present. Copper powder causes active decomposition with the evolution of nitrogen and the formation of insoluble white flakes of polymethylene (CH2)x. Solid calcium chloride or boiling stones have the same effect. This phenomenon appears to occur always during the action of diazomethane on solid substances.

Incompatible with alkali metals, water, drying agents such as calcium arsenate [Note: May explode violently on heating, exposure to sunlight, or contact with rough edges such as ground glass.]

Severe explosion risk when shocked

Dipole moment = 1.50

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for DIAZOMETHANE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Coriolis coupling

Schoenflies notation

Atomic environment

Bond type

Centrifugal distortion

Reacts with water, releasing nitrogen, more stable in ether or dioxane.

Azo, Diazo, Azido, Hydrazine, and Azide Compounds

Explosive

Water-Reactive

Decomposes at Elevated Temperatures (

DIAZOMETHANE undergoes violent thermal decomposition. Above 200 °C. the vapors may explode violently if rough glass surfaces are present. Explosions at low temperatures can occur if traces of organic matter are present. [J. Phys. Chem. 35:1403(1931)]. Produces explosions with alkali metals. Reacts with copper powder and to some extent all solid surfaces to produce nitrogen and solid white polymethylene. Reacts with dimethylaminodimethylarsine and trimethyltin in ether with vigorous foaming.

Contact between diazomethane and alkali metals, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, boiling stones, or copper powder will cause explosions.

Incompatibilities: Alkale metals; calcium sulfate.

Alkali metals, water, drying agents such as calcium arsenate [Note: May explode violently on heating, exposure to sunlight, or contact with rough edges such as ground glass].

Alkali metals, water, drying agents such as calcium arsenate [Note: May explode violently on heating, exposure to sunlight, or contact with rough edges such as ground glass.]

Diazomethane

No data are available in humans. Limited evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.

A2; Suspected human carcinogen.

Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans

Volume 7: (1974) Some Anti-thyroid and Related Substances, Nitrofurans and Industrial Chemicals

Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)

Sore throat. Headache. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Nausea. Vomiting. Symptoms may be delayed.

Redness. Pain. Skin burns. Burning sensation. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Burning sensation. Redness. Pain. Burns. Loss of vision. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

irritation eyes; cough, short breath; headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); flush skin, fever; chest pain, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis; asthma; liquid: frostbite

Eyes, respiratory system

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Asthma - Reversible bronchoconstriction (narrowing of bronchioles) initiated by the inhalation of irritating or allergenic agents.

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

ACGIH Carcinogen - Suspected Human.

LC50 (cats) = 175 ppm/10M

NO VANCOMYCIN WAS ADSORBED TO CELL WALLS /OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS W23/ THAT HAD BEEN ESTERIFIED BY TREATMENT WITH DIAZOMETHANE.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ 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. 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 as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

Medical Screening: Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment). A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or termination.

Pre-placement medical evaluation: Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to diazomethane, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical, environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Medical surveillance for respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods recommended by the American Thoracic Society. A pre-placement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a worker is exposed to diazomethane at or below the prescribed exposure limit. The health care professional should consider the probable frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a history and other findings consistent with diseases of the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.

Periodic medical evaluations: Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops symptoms attributable to diazomethane exposure. The interviews, examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on identifying the adverse effects of diazomethane on the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract. Current health status should be compared with the baseline health status of the individual worker or with expected values for a suitable reference population.

Termination medical evaluations: The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should be compared with those expected for a suitable reference population.

Biological monitoring: Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite. No biological monitoring test acceptable for routine use has yet been developed for diazomethane.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ON SKIN ... /IT/ CAUSES SEVERE, DELAYED INFLAMMATORY REACTION.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Inhalation can cause severe lung damage with symptoms of coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever and fatigue. Exposure to the gas or liquid can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Contact with liquid can cause frostbite.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ The toxic effects of diazomethane advance insidiously. Diazomethane exposure has caused irritation of the eyes, dizziness, denudation of mucus membranes, and sensitization in laboratory workers. Chest pain, fever, and sever asthmatic attacks have been reported

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Inhalation of diazomethane by man, depending on degree of exposure caused chest pains, asthmatic symptoms, cough and fever, fulminating pneumonia, moderate cyanosis, shock and death.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for DIAZOMETHANE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Acute exposure of rabbits to atmosphere containing 2-12 mg/L diazomethane for 5 to 20 min, 1-4 times, resulted in bronchopneumonia, followed by death before 7 days.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Exposure to a concentration of 175 ppm diazomethane for 10 min caused hemorrhagic emphysema and edema of lungs in cats dying within 3 days.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Of 12 male A/2G mice painted on clipped dorsal skin with 2-3 drops of ethereal solution of diazomethane (0.1-3.3 mg/mL) 5 times weekly for 5 months, 8/8 animals dying between 5-12 months had lung adenomas. No control used.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Of 8 male Swiss mice /exposed twice weekly to the vapor of 1 mL of an ethereal solution of diazomethane containing 0.1-3.3 mg/mL for/ 1.5 min per exposure for 5 months. Six male controls /were/ exposed to ether for 1.5 mins twice weekly for 5 months. Two treated mice died before 10 days and the remaining 6 before 8 months. No tumors were seen in control or treated mice. In a later experiment, 5 male Swiss mice were treated with diazomethane and 6 male controls were treated with ether for 12 exposures during the first 6 weeks. Lung tumors developed in 5/5 treated mice and in 3/6 controls surviving after the age of 6 months.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for DIAZOMETHANE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Diazomethane's production and use, primarily in a laboratory setting, as a methylating agent for acidic compds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 3.94X10+3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diazomethane will exist solely as a gas in the atmosphere. Gas-phase diazomethane will undergo rapid hydrolysis with atmospheric water vapor but may be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals at a much slower rate; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 days. Diazomethane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. Since diazomethane is a gas and reacts rapidly with water, volatilization from water or soil is not relevant. Similarly, adsorption to soil/sediments, bioconcentration, and biodegradation are not expected due to the rapid rate of decomposition under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to diazomethane may occur through inhalation if the gas supplied in its pure form or when it is formed in situ during organic syntheses. Dermal contact with solutions of this compound in organic solvents may also occur at workplaces where diazomethane is produced or used. The general population is not likely to be exposed to diazomethane since it is primarily used in a laboratory setting. (SRC)

Diazomethane's production and use as a powerful methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols(1) used in synthetic organic transformations may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Since diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water, volatilization from soil is not relevant. Similarly, adsorption to soil and biodegradation are not expected due to the rapid rate of decomposition under environmental conditions. (SRC)

Diazomethane's production and use, primarily in a laboratory setting, as a methylating agent for acidic compds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 3.94X10+3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diazomethane will exist solely as a gas in the atmosphere. Gas-phase diazomethane will undergo rapid hydrolysis with atmospheric water vapor but may be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals at a much slower rate; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 days. Diazomethane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. Since diazomethane is a gas and reacts rapidly with water, volatilization from water or soil is not relevant. Similarly, adsorption to soil/sediments, bioconcentration, and biodegradation are not expected due to the rapid rate of decomposition under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to diazomethane may occur through inhalation if the gas supplied in its pure form or when it is formed in situ during organic syntheses. Dermal contact with solutions of this compound in organic solvents may also occur at workplaces where diazomethane is produced or used. The general population is not likely to be exposed to diazomethane since it is primarily used in a laboratory setting. (SRC)

Diazomethane's production and use as a powerful methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols(1) used in synthetic organic transformations may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Since diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water, volatilization from soil is not relevant. Similarly, adsorption to soil and biodegradation are not expected due to the rapid rate of decomposition under environmental conditions. (SRC)

AQUATIC FATE: Since diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water, volatilization from water is not relevant. Similarly, hydrolysis, adsorption to sediments, bioconcentration, and biodegradation are not expected due to the rapid rate of decomposition under environmental conditions. (SRC)

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diazomethane, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 3.94X10+3 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas. Gas-phase diazomethane will undergo rapid hydrolysis with atmospheric water vapor but may also be degraded by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals at a much slower rate(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.34X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of diazomethane with ozone was 3.3X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec(4). Diazomethane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Diazomethane is a gas and reacts rapidly with water; therefore biodegradation is not expected to be an important environmental fate process. (SRC)

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of diazomethane with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 9.34X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 16 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Diazomethane undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water, releasing nitrogen, and therefore hydrolysis is not expected. Diazomethane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The reaction between diazomethane and the hydronium ion was studied in a THF-water (60:40 v/v) mixture at 25 °C. When a large excess if diazoalkane was used, the kinetics were zero order in diazoalkane abd first order in acid for the pH range 4<pH<5.5. The pH rode dramatically at the start of the reaction: the pH rise was measured by use of a novel continuous-flow system. Combination of the kinetic and pH data allowed estimation of the protonation rate as 4X10+8/M-sec. Isotope-exchange studies showed that water deprotonates the methanediazonium ion less rapidly than it displaces nitrogen; however, the hydroxide ion reacts more rapidly as a base than as a nucleophile. The rates of nucleophillic attack of water and the hydroxide ion on the methanediazoonium ion were estimated as 1.8/sec and 1X10+4 /M-sec, respectively, in THF-water (60:40 v/v). The pKa of the methanediazonium ion in this medium was ten.

Diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water; therefore, bioconcentration is not expected to be an important environmental fate process. (SRC)

Diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water; therefore, adsorption is not expected to be an important environmental fate process. (SRC)

Diazomethane is a gas and undergoes rapid hydrolysis with water; therefore, volatilization from water or moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate process. (SRC)

Occupational exposure to diazomethane may occur through inhalation if the gas supplied in its pure form or when it is formed in situ during organic syntheses. Dermal contact with solutions of this compound in organic solvents may also occur at workplaces where diazomethane is produced or used. The general population is not likely to be exposed to diazomethane since it is primarily used in a laboratory setting. (SRC)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

DIAZOMETHANE MAY BE DISPOSED OF BY BURNING AT SAFE LOCATION OR IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE.

Poison Gas Flammable Gas

Symbol: T; R: 45; S: 53-45