Technical Specifications and Material Safety Data Sheet Information for Handling N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine (BDMA) Safely

1. Introduction

N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine (BDMA) is a versatile organic compound used in various industrial applications, including the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and rubber chemicals. Its unique properties make it indispensable in these industries. However, BDMA can also pose significant health and safety risks if not handled properly. This comprehensive guide aims to provide detailed technical specifications and material safety data sheet (MSDS) information to ensure safe handling of BDMA.

2. Chemical Properties and Structure

Property	Value
Molecular Formula	C9H13N
Molecular Weight	135.20 g/mol
CAS Number	103-88-0
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Melting Point	-7°C
Boiling Point	245°C
Density	0.96 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water	Slightly soluble

Chemical Structure:

C6H5CH2N(CH3)2

3. Physical Properties

Property	Value
Flash Point	100°C
Autoignition Temp.	427°C
Vapor Pressure	0.02 mm Hg at 25°C
Viscosity	2.4 mPa·s at 20°C
Refractive Index	n₂₀/Dk = 1.544

4. Applications

BDMA finds extensive use in:

• Dye Industry: As a stabilizer and catalyst.
• Pharmaceuticals: In the synthesis of drugs.
• Rubber Chemicals: As an accelerator in vulcanization processes.
• Plasticizers: Enhances flexibility in plastics.
• Resins and Polymers: Improves cross-linking efficiency.

5. Health Hazards

Acute Effects:

• Inhalation: Causes irritation to the respiratory system, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and potential lung damage.
• Skin Contact: Can cause severe irritation, redness, and blistering.
• Eye Contact: Causes severe eye irritation and potential corneal damage.
• Ingestion: May lead to nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation.

Chronic Effects:

• Prolonged exposure can result in liver and kidney damage.
• Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
• Long-term inhalation can lead to chronic respiratory issues.

6. First Aid Measures

Exposure Route	First Aid Action
Inhalation	Remove victim to fresh air immediately. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact	Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Apply emollients or soothing lotions. Seek medical help.
Eye Contact	Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Lift upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion	Do not induce vomiting. Give two glasses of water or milk. Seek medical assistance immediately.

7. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Condition	Recommended Action
Extinguishing Media	Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Water spray is effective for cooling exposed surfaces.
Special Hazards	Produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition. Avoid inhalation of combustion products.

8. Accidental Release Measures

Type of Spill	Recommended Action
Small Spill	Contain spillage using absorbent materials. Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate. Ventilate area adequately. Dispose of collected material according to local regulations.
Large Spill	Notify emergency services immediately. Evacuate area if necessary. Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Contain and collect spillage for proper disposal.

9. Handling and Storage

Handling Precaution	Recommendation
Ventilation	Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas. Use local exhaust ventilation if necessary.
Personal Protection	Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and respirators.
Storage Conditions	Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep away from incompatible materials like acids and oxidizing agents.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability Condition	Description
Stable	Stable under normal conditions. Avoid exposure to heat, moisture, and incompatible materials.
Decomposition	Decomposes on heating to produce toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides.
Incompatible Materials	Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens.

11. Toxicological Information

Toxicity Parameter	Value
Oral LD₅₀ (Rat)	1600 mg/kg
Inhalation LC₅₀	Not readily available
Dermal LD₅₀ (Rabbit)	2000 mg/kg
Irritation Studies	Severe irritation to skin and eyes

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Impact	Description
Aquatic Toxicity	Harmful to aquatic organisms. Avoid release into the environment.
Biodegradability	Slowly biodegradable under environmental conditions.

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Type	Disposal Method
Liquid Waste	Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate before disposal. Follow local regulations.
Solid Waste	Incinerate in a controlled waste incinerator. Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

14. Transportation Information

Classification	UN Number
Dangerous Goods	UN 2811
Packing Group	II
Hazard Class	6.1

15. Regulatory Information

Regulation	Compliance Requirement
OSHA	Follow permissible exposure limits (PELs).
EPA	Adhere to hazardous substance control guidelines.
REACH	Ensure compliance with EU regulations.

16. References

1. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH; 2021.
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Cincinnati, OH: NIOSH; 2020.
3. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Helsinki: ECHA; 2021.
4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. Washington, DC: OSHA; 2020.
5. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Concise International Chemical Assessment Document (CICAD) for N,N-Dimethylbenzylamine. Geneva: WHO; 2019.

By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the properties and hazards associated with BDMA, users can handle this chemical safely and effectively in various industrial settings.