Dinitrophenol

Synonyms

Dinitroaminophenol; Phenol, dinitro-; p-Dinitrophenol; Dinitrophenol solutions; [ChemIDplus] UN0076; UN1320; UN1599

Category

Nitrophenols

Description

Yellow solid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used in the manufacturing of dyes, wood preservatives, and insecticides; used as "a reagent for the detection of potassium and ammonium ions"; [HSDB] Nitrophenolic and nitrocresolic herbicides are used in some parts of the world as acaricides, nematicides, ovicides, and fungicides. "Only dinocap continues to have active registrations in the United States." [EPA Pesticides, p. 104] Used to make diaminophenol hydrochloride (photographic developer) and explosives; [Hawley]

Comments

May cause skin burns; [HSDB] The pathophysiology, like that of pentachlorophenol, involves the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Yellow stains appear on the skin after dermal contact with the nitroaromatic herbicides. Fatal poisoning can occur after dermal absorption. Cataracts have been reported in animal experiments and after occupational exposure. In severe poisoning, these herbicides can cause injury to the liver and kidneys. [EPA Pesticides, p. 104-5] Secondary acute renal failure after dinitrophenol and dinitro-o-cresol poisoning has been reported. [LaDou, p. 418] There is a case report of dinitrophenol causing cholestatic jaundice. [Zimmerman, p. 351] Listed in table of "Methemoglobinemia-inducing agents: industrial, environmental, and pharmaceutical"; [Sullivan, p. 729] Solid form can cause first degree burns after short skin exposure; [CHRIS] Extremely hazardous explosion hazard when dry; [Hawley]

Emergency suspension & cancellation of registration as herbicide in 1986.

Biomedical References

1.2E-05 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for UN1599: "Dinitrophemol, solution." UN1320 (Guide 113) is for "Dinitrophenol, wetted with not less than 15% water."

Reference Link #2

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Other Poison

Uncoupler

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Acute tubular necrosis
• Cataract, chemical or radiation induced
• Pentachlorophenol/Dinitrophenol, acute poisoning

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Farming (Pesticides)