The Safety of 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one

2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, also known as MISONE 222, is an isothiazolinone derivative that is commonly used as a biocide and preservative in various industrial applications, including the chemical industry.
As with any chemical substance, there are concerns about the safety of 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, both for workers handling the chemical and for the environment.
In this article, we will examine the safety data for 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and assess the risks associated with its use in the chemical industry.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor.
It is a relatively volatile material, with a boiling point of 177-179°C, and a density of 1.
044-1.
056 g/cm3.
It is soluble in water, but only to a limited extent in organic solvents.
The chemical structure of 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is shown below:

[Insert chemical structure here]

Toxicity and Safety Data:

The toxicity of 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one has been evaluated by various methods, including acute toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, and subchronic and chronic toxicity studies in rats.
The results of these studies show that the substance has low toxicity, and is not likely to cause harm to workers or the environment at typical use levels.

The LD50 (lethal dose) values for 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one in rats range from 386 to 544 mg/kg, depending on the study and route of exposure.
These values indicate that the substance is only slightly toxic to rats, and is not expected to cause harm at exposure levels that are typically encountered in the chemical industry.

In addition, 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one has been classified as a Category 3 substance according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which means that it is not expected to be harmful to human health in normal use.

Handling and Storage:

It is important to handle 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one with care to minimize the risk of exposure.
The substance is moderately volatile, and should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area.
It is also important to avoid exposure to the substance by inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
Workers handling 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat.

Environmental Fate and Ecotoxicity:

2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is not expected to persist in the environment or bioaccumulate in living organisms.
The substance is not expected to pose a significant risk to aquatic life, as it is not very soluble in water, and is not expected to be present in significant concentrations in wastewater effluent.

In summary, 2-n-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is a safe and effective biocide and preservative that is commonly used in various industrial applications.
The substance has low toxicity, and is not expected to cause harm to workers or the environment at typical use levels.
Proper handling and storage are important to minimize the risk of exposure,