Product Name: 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Synonyms: Benzonitrile, 3,4-dichloro; AC 1438; Casoron; DCBN
CAS Number: 618-74-8
Recommended Use: Herbicide, chemical intermediate
Manufacturer Information: Name, address, phone number may vary by region, check local suppliers
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 in North America
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Category 4, oral); Skin Irritation (Category 2); Eye Irritation (Category 2A); Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single exposure, Category 3)
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapors, wear protective gloves and eye protection, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
Chemical Name: 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Common Name: DCBN
CAS Number: 618-74-8
Concentration: 98-100% by weight
Impurities: May contain trace chlorinated benzonitrile derivatives, not considered significant for classification
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air, give oxygen if difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention quickly
Skin Contact: Remove all contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with plenty of water and mild soap—not abrasive cleaners
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, do not rub, get medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention, show label or safety data
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards Arising from Chemical: Irritating and toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide may form on combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing
Special Precautions: Cool containers with water from a safe distance to prevent pressure build-up or rupture, stay upwind to avoid fumes
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing, use respirator if ventilation is inadequate, do not breathe dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, water courses, and soil, notify authorities if substantial quantities enter environment
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or shovel spilled material into labeled containers, wipe area with damp paper, dispose of according to local, state, and federal regulations
Handling: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, avoid creating dust, use non-sparking tools, ensure local exhaust ventilation
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, separate from acids, bases, oxidizers, store away from direct sunlight, handle containers with care to avoid spills and leaks
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or effective local exhaust ventilation to minimize exposure
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, long sleeves, lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved half mask if exposure limits are exceeded or in case of insufficient ventilation
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH threshold limit value specifically listed for 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile; treat as hazardous dust, keep exposure as low as possible
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Mild aromatic, not pungent
Melting Point: 135–138°C
Boiling Point: 293–295°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in organic solvents like acetone, ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Flash Point: 146°C (closed cup)
Specific Gravity: Around 1.4 (water = 1)
pH (1% solution): Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Estimated 2.7–3.5
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, strong acids, bases
Decomposition Products: Releases toxic and irritating gases like HCl, CO, NOx, and HCN on combustion or strong heating
Polymerization: Not expected to occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) ~500 mg/kg, Dermal LD50 (rat) >2000 mg/kg, Inhalation not well defined
Skin Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation
Eye Irritation: Irritates eyes, may cause redness or pain
Respiratory Effects: Dust and vapors irritate nose, throat, may cause coughing and shortness of breath
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis, sensitization, theoretical risk of liver or kidney effects with sustained high exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Other Data: Not mutagenic in Ames test, not a known reproductive hazard
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 (fish, 96h): ~0.5-2.0 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, remains in soil and sediment; estimated half-life may reach two months or more
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species, moderate partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: Tends to adsorb to soil particles, slow migration to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid direct release to waterways due to risk of harm to aquatic ecosystems; monitored as a pesticide residue in some countries
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect unused or excess product in sealed, labeled containers
Disposal Recommendation: Incinerate at an approved facility with flue gas treatment, do not landfill or pour into drains
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal, crush or puncture to prevent reuse, dispose according to local environmental guidelines
Regulatory Disposal Code: U210 (US EPA hazardous waste listing for benzonitriles), confirm with local hazardous waste authorities
UN Number: 2811
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (contains 3,4-Dichlorobenzonitrile)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Required: Toxic (Skull and crossbones pictogram), proper shipping name and identification number
Special Precautions: Keep away from food, animal feed, and incompatible materials during transport, avoid release to environment
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EINECS: Listed (207-255-2)
OSHA: Considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed as an extremely hazardous substance, but subject to reporting under Section 311/312 for chronic health hazard
REACH Registration: Registered or pre-registered in the EU
Federal / State Regulations: State and local requirements may apply, check country-specific chemical inventories and workplace regulations
Pesticide Registration: Regulated active ingredient in several countries, requires specific approvals for use in agriculture, restrictions apply on quantity and field application
