XANTHATES
HAZARDTEXT ®
Information to help in the initial response for evaluating chemical incidents
 -IDENTIFICATION
SYNONYMS
CONSTITUENTS OF THE GROUP ETHYL XANTHIC ACID METHYL XANTHIC ACID n-BUTYL XANTHIC ACID POTASSIUM ISOAMYL XANTHATE POTASSIUM ISOBUTYL XANTHATE POTASSIUM ISOPROPYL XANTHATE POTASSIUM n-BUTYL XANTHATE POTASSIUM n-PROPYL XANTHATE SODIUM ISOAMYL XANTHATE SODIUM ISOBUTYL XANTHATE SODIUM ISOPROPYL XANTHATE SODIUM n-BUTYL XANTHATE SODIUM n-PROPYL XANTHATE
IDENTIFIERS
Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Emergency Response Guidebook. Based on the material's physical and chemical properties, toxicity, or chemical group, a guide has been assigned. For additional technical information, contact one of the emergency response telephone numbers listed under Public Safety Measures.
USES/FORMS/SOURCES
-CLINICAL EFFECTS
GENERAL CLINICAL EFFECTS
- No significant acute or chronic health hazard has been determined, and these compounds are generally thought to be low in toxicity.
- Potassium amyl xanthate is known to be a skin irritant that may cause burns on prolonged contact or slight corneal injury if placed in the eye (Mark et al, 1985).
- POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004)
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
-MEDICAL TREATMENT
LIFE SUPPORT
- Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.
SUMMARY
- FIRST AID - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004)
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
SUMMARY ORAL EXPOSURE DILUTION: If no respiratory compromise is present, administer milk or water as soon as possible after ingestion. Dilution may only be helpful if performed in the first seconds to minutes after ingestion. The ideal amount is unknown; no more than 8 ounces (240 mL) in adults and 4 ounces (120 mL) in children is recommended to minimize the risk of vomiting. Measures to decrease absorption may be useful. The decision to induce or not to induce emesis in ingestions must be carefully considered. If the patient has any signs of esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation or burns, or has evidence of a decreased sensorium, a depressed gag reflex, or impending shock, INDUCED EMESIS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. GASTRIC LAVAGE: Consider after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). Protect airway by placement in the head down left lateral decubitus position or by endotracheal intubation. Control any seizures first. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as a slurry (240 mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12 years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old. Monitor pulse oximetry and/or ABGs, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests in symptomatic patients. Exposed individuals should have a careful, thorough medical history and physical examination performed, looking for any abnormalities. Exposure to chemicals with a strong odor often results in such nonspecific symptoms as headache, dizziness, weakness, and nausea. Many chemicals cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. In severe cases respiratory tract irritation can progress to ARDS/acute lung injury, which may be delayed in onset for up to 24 to 72 hours in some cases. Irritation or burns of the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract are also possible if caustic or irritant chemicals are ingested. No studies have addressed the utilization of extracorporeal elimination techniques in poisoning with this agent. Patients symptomatic following exposure should be observed in a controlled setting until all signs and symptoms have fully resolved.
INHALATION EXPOSURE INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with an inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist. Consider systemic corticosteroids in patients with significant bronchospasm. If respiratory tract irritation or respiratory depression is evident, monitor arterial blood gases, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests. If bronchospasm and wheezing occur, consider treatment with inhaled sympathomimetic agents. Respiratory tract irritation, if severe, can progress to pulmonary edema which may be delayed in onset up to 24 to 72 hours after exposure in some cases. Carefully observe patients with inhalation exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.
DERMAL EXPOSURE DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry and place them in plastic bags. Wash exposed areas with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes with gentle sponging to avoid skin breakdown. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists (Burgess et al, 1999). Some chemicals can produce systemic poisoning by absorption through intact skin. Carefully observe patients with dermal exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.
EYE EXPOSURE DECONTAMINATION: Remove contact lenses and irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature 0.9% saline or water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist after 15 minutes of irrigation, the patient should be seen in a healthcare facility.
-RANGE OF TOXICITY
MINIMUM LETHAL EXPOSURE
MAXIMUM TOLERATED EXPOSURE
-STANDARDS AND LABELS
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
- DOT -- Table of Hazardous Materials and Special Provisions (49 CFR 172.101, 2005):
- ICAO International Shipping Name (ICAO, 2002):
-PERSONAL PROTECTION
SUMMARY
- RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004)
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.
- These compounds are thought to be relatively safe to handle. Rubber gloves, dust masks, and goggles are still recommended as a standard handling precaution (Anon, 1972; Mark et al, 1985).
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
- Refer to "Recommendations for respirator selection" in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards on TOMES Plus(R) for respirator information.
-PHYSICAL HAZARDS
FIRE HAZARD
Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Emergency Response Guidebook. Based on the material's physical and chemical properties, toxicity, or chemical group, a guide has been assigned. For additional technical information, contact one of the emergency response telephone numbers listed under Public Safety Measures. POTENTIAL FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARDS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
- FIRE CONTROL/EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
SMALL FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) LARGE FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
TANK OR CAR/TRAILER LOAD FIRE PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders 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.
REACTIVITY HAZARD
- The free acids of these compounds decompose on standing. Decomposition may be with explosive force (Mark et al, 1985).
- The alkali salts are relatively stable solids. The sodium salt will combine with water to form dihydrates.
- Xanthate solutions are slightly stabilized by alkalies and are more prone to decomposition in acid solutions (Mark et al, 1985).
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Editor's Note: This material is not listed in the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. SPILL - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance of at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids in all directions.
FIRE - PUBLIC SAFETY EVACUATION DISTANCES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) 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.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number: MEXICO: SETIQ: 01-800-00-214-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5559-1588; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-559-1588.
CENACOM: 01-800-00-413-00 in the Mexican Republic; For calls originating in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area: 5550-1496, 5550-1552, 5550-1485, or 5550-4885; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-52-555-550-1496, or 011-52-555-550-1552; 011-52-555-550-1485, or 011-52-555-550-4885.
ARGENTINA: CIQUIME: 0-800-222-2933 in the Republic of Argentina; For calls originating elsewhere, call: +54-11-4613-1100.
BRAZIL: PRÓ-QUÍMICA: 0-800-118270 (Toll-free in Brazil); For calls originating elsewhere, call: +55-11-232-1144 (Collect calls are accepted).
COLUMBIA: CISPROQUIM: 01-800-091-6012 in Colombia; For calls originating in Bogotá, Colombia, call: 288-6012; For calls originating elsewhere, call: 011-57-1-288-6012.
CANADA: UNITED STATES:
For additional details see the section entitled "WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE" under the ERG Instructions. As an 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.
CONTAINMENT/WASTE TREATMENT OPTIONS
SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK, GUIDE 154 (ERG, 2004) Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.
-ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION HAZARD
- Some heavy metals form hydrophobic complexes with xanthates which will have the potential to facilitate metal uptake by fish. This research study showed that cadmium was accumulated in rainbow trout at higher levels when in the xanthanate complex form in water then when in the uncomplexed ionic form (Block & Glynn, 1992).
ABIOTIC DEGRADATION
- No information found at the time of this review.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY
- No information found at the time of this review.
-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
- SODIUM ISOPROPYL XANTHATE: 158.22 (Windholz, 1983)
DESCRIPTION/PHYSICAL STATE
- The free xanthic acids are colorless to yellow, and have an oily texture.
- The alkali metal salts are yellow solids, and posses a disagreeable odor.
- There is decreasing acid strength with increasing molecular weight.
SOLUBILITY
The xanthic acids are soluble in organic solvents (Mark et al, 1985). Potassium n-propyl = 43 g/100 g Sodium n-propyl = 17.6 g/100 g Potassium isopropyl = 16.6 g/100 g Sodium isopropyl (Windholz, 1983) = 12.1 g/100 g (at 0 degrees C); 30 g/100 g (at 4 degrees C); 46 g/100 g (at 24 degrees C); 54 g/100 g (at 35 degrees C) Potassium n-butyl = 32.4 g/100 g Sodium n-butyl = 20 g/100 g Potassium isobutyl = 10.7 g/100 g Sodium isobutyl = 11.2 g/100 g Potassium isoamyl = 28.4 g/100 g Sodium isoamyl = 24.7 g/100 g Methyl xanthic acid = 0.05 mole/L Ethyl xanthic acid = 0.02 mole/L N-butyl xanthic acid = 0.008 mole/L Alkali-methal xanthates: soluble in lower ketones, pyridine, and acetonitrites, but not particularly soluble in such polar solvents as ether and ligroin. Heavy metal salts are more soluble in organic solvents than are the alkali-salts, and are slightly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethyl ether, and alcohol. XANTHIC ACIDS
OTHER/PHYSICAL
-REFERENCES
GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY- 49 CFR 172.101: Department of Transportation - Table of Hazardous Materials. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC. Final rules current as of Aug 11, 2005.
- Anon: Xanthate Handbook, American Cyanamid Company, Mining Chemicals Department, Wayne, NJ, 1972.
- Block M & Glynn AW: Influence of xanthates on the uptake of Cd-109 by Eurasian Dace (Phoxinus phoxinus) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Environ Toxicol Chem 1992; 11:873-879.
- Burgess JL, Kirk M, Borron SW, et al: Emergency department hazardous materials protocol for contaminated patients. Ann Emerg Med 1999; 34(2):205-212.
- ERG: Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Washington, DC, 2004.
- ICAO: Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, 2003-2004. International Civil Aviation Organization, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2002.
- Leja J: Surface Chemistry of Froth Flotion, Pleum Press, New York, NY, 1982.
- Mark HF, Othmer DF, & Overberger GG: Kirk-Othmer Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1985.
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