Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is an organic compound with the formula CH3C6H3(NCO)2. Two of the six possible isomers are commercially important: 2,4-TDI (CAS: 584-84-9) and 2,6-TDI (CAS: 91-08-7). 2,4-TDI is produced in the pure state, but TDI is often marketed as 80/20 and 65/35 mixtures of the 2,4 and 2,6 isomers respectively. It is produced on a large scale, accounting for 34.1% of the global isocyanate market in 2000, second only to MDI. Approximately 1.4 billion kilograms were produced in 2000. Toluene diisocyanate has been identified in 1 of the 1,699 hazardous waste sites that have been proposed for inclusion on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL) (HazDat 2007); at room temperature, the mixture is a clear, pale yellow liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. Toluene diisocyanate is insoluble in water and miscible with most common organic solvents.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation …show more content…
Exposure to relatively high vapor concentrations produces inflammation of mucous membranes. Dermal absorption is slow through intact skin.
Children are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio.
Ingestion
No information was located pertaining to ingestion of toluene diisocyanate. Toluene diisocyanate is very irritating; thus, ingestion would probably produce chemical burns of the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. No data were located as to whether ingestion leads to systemic toxicity.
Sources/Uses
Toluene diisocyanate is made by reacting toluene diamine with carbonyl chloride (phosgene).
Toluene diisocyanate is commonly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane foams, elastomers, and coatings; paints; varnishes; wire enamels; sealants; adhesives; and binders. It is also used as a cross-linking agent in the manufacture of nylon polymers.
Exposure Limits and Health
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation …show more content…
Exposure to relatively high vapor concentrations produces inflammation of mucous membranes. Dermal absorption is slow through intact skin.
Children are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio.
Ingestion
No information was located pertaining to ingestion of toluene diisocyanate. Toluene diisocyanate is very irritating; thus, ingestion would probably produce chemical burns of the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. No data were located as to whether ingestion leads to systemic toxicity.
Sources/Uses
Toluene diisocyanate is made by reacting toluene diamine with carbonyl chloride (phosgene).
Toluene diisocyanate is commonly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane foams, elastomers, and coatings; paints; varnishes; wire enamels; sealants; adhesives; and binders. It is also used as a cross-linking agent in the manufacture of nylon polymers.
Exposure Limits and Health