Nitrogen dioxide
Synonyms & Trade Names
Dinitrogen tetroxide, Nitrogen peroxidePhysical Description
Yellowish-brown liquid or reddish-brown gas (above 70°F) with a pungent, acrid odor. [Note: In solid form (below 15°F) it is found structurally as N2O4.]Molecular Weight
46.0Boiling Point
70°FFreezing Point
15°FSolubility
ReactsVapor Pressure
720 mmHgIonization Potential
9.75 eVSpecific Gravity
1.44 (Liquid at 68°F)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NARelative Gas Density
2.62Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Combustible material, water, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon disulfide, ammonia [Note: Reacts with water to form nitric acid.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, nose, throat; cough, mucoid frothy sputum, decreased pulmonary function, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); chest pain; pulmonary edema, cyanosis, tachypnea, tachycardiaTarget Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, cardiovascular systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 20 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator 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
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern¿
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division