Get the app in the App Store and on Google Play!

DIPHENYLMETHANE-4,4'-DIISOCYANATE

6.1 - Poison
Add to MyChemicals

The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number
  • 101-68-8
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Poison
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Methylene bisphenyl isocyanateexternal_link
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Diphenylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate is a light yellow colored solid. It is not soluble in water. It may be toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. If in a solution it may or may not burn depending on the nature of the material and/or the solvent. It is used to make plastics.

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
It is not soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic vapors are generated when heated.

Behavior in Fire: Solid melts and burns (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and reduced pulmonary function. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
Isocyanates and thioisocyanates, such as DIPHENYLMETHANE-4,4'-DIISOCYANATE, are incompatible with many classes of compounds, reacting exothermically to release toxic gases. Reactions with amines, aldehydes, alcohols, alkali metals, ketones, mercaptans, strong oxidizers, hydrides, phenols, and peroxides can cause vigorous releases of heat. Acids and bases initiate polymerization reactions in these materials. Some isocyanates react with water to form amines and liberate carbon dioxide. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence, [Wischmeyer(1969)].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

  • Cellulose-Based Absorbents
  • Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
  • Dirt/Earth

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases. CAUTION: For Acetyl chloride (UN1717), use CO2 or dry chemical only.

SMALL FIRE: CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

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 damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methylene bisphenyl isocyanateexternal link:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Diphenyl methane diisocyanate, 4,4'- 101-68-8 Solid >480 >480 >480
Diphenyl methane diisocyanate, 4,4'- (50°C, molten) 101-68-8 Liquid >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, 4,4'- 101-68-8 Solid >480 >480 >480
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, 4,4'- (50°C, molten) 101-68-8 Liquid >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Generally, the induction of vomiting is NOT recommended outside of a physician's care due to the risk of aspirating the chemical into the victim's lungs. However, if the victim is conscious and not convulsing and if medical help is not readily available, consider the risk of inducing vomiting because of the high toxicity of the chemical ingested. Ipecac syrup or salt water may be used in such an emergency. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C15H10N2O2
Flash Point: 425°F (NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 99°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 5e-06 mmHg at 77°F (NIOSH, 2023)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.2 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 381 to 390°F at 5 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 250.27 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: 75 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) (101-68-8) NA 5 mg/m3 55 mg/m3
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate; (Diphenylmethane diisocyanate; MDI) (101-68-8) 0.45 mg/m3 5 mg/m3 55 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
4,4'-Methylenedi(phenyl isocyanate) 101-68-8 5000 pounds 313#
Diisocyanates (includes only 20 chemicals) N120 313
MDI 101-68-8 5000 pounds X
Methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) 101-68-8 5000 pounds X

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • BENZENE, 1,1'-METHYLENEBIS(4-ISOCYANATO)- (9CI)
  • BIS(1,4-ISOCYANATOPHENYL)METHANE
  • BIS(4-ISOCYANATOPHENYL)METHANE
  • 4,4'-BIS(ISOCYANATOPHENYL)METHANE
  • BIS(P-ISOCYANATOPHENYL)METHANE
  • CARADATE 30
  • CARWINATE 125 M
  • DESMODUR 44
  • DI(4-ISOCYANATOPHENYL)METHANE
  • 4,4'DIISOCYANATODIPHENYLMETHANE
  • 4,4'-DIISOCYANATODIPHENYLMETHANE
  • DIPHENYLMETHANE 4,4'-DIISOCYANATE
  • DIPHENYLMETHANE DIISOCYANATE
  • 4,4'-DIPHENYLMETHANE DIISOCYANATE
  • DIPHENYLMETHANE-4,4'-DIISOCYANATE
  • DIPHENYLMETHYLENE DIISOCYANATE
  • HYLENE M50
  • ISOCYANIC ACID, DIPHENYLMETHYLENE ESTER
  • ISOCYANIC ACID, METHYLENEDI-P-PHENYLENE ESTER
  • ISONATE 125M
  • ISONATE 125MF
  • MDI
  • 4,4'-MDI
  • METHYLENE BIS(4-PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENE BISPHENYL ISOCYANATE
  • METHYLENE DI-P-PHENYLENE ESTER OF ISOCYANIC ACID
  • METHYLENEBIS(4-ISOCYANATOBENZENE)
  • 1,1-METHYLENEBIS(4-ISOCYANATOBENZENE)
  • METHYLENEBIS(4-PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENEBIS(4-PHENYLENE ISOCYANATE)
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEBIS(ISOCYANATOBENZENE)
  • METHYLENEBIS(P-PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENEBIS(P-PHENYLENE ISOCYANATE)
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEBIS(PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENEBIS(PHENYLISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENEBIS-P-PHENYLENE DIISOCYANATE
  • METHYLENEBISPHENYLENE DIISOCYANATE
  • 1,1'-METHYLENEBIS[4-ISOCYANATOBENZENE]
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEDI(PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • METHYLENEDI-P-PHENYLENE DIISOCYANATE
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEDI-P-PHENYLENE DIISOCYANATE
  • METHYLENEDI-P-PHENYLENE ISOCYANATE
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEDIPHENYL DIISOCYANATE
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEDIPHENYLDIISOCYANATE
  • 4,4'-METHYLENEDIPHENYLENE ISOCYANATE
  • MULTRATHANE M
  • NACCONATE 300
  • NCI-C50668
  • NOCCONATE 300
  • P,P'-DIPHENYLMETHANE DIISOCYANATE
  • P,P'-METHYLENEBIS(PHENYL ISOCYANATE)
  • VILRATHANE 4300

Version 3.0.0