National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Methylenebis (phenylisocyanate): Overview

Description

Methylene bis (phenylisocyanate) is used in the making of polyurethane foams and other synthetic components of furniture, machinery and electrical components for a variety of household and other electrical appliances. It is used to bond rubber to other synthetic fibres such as rayon and nylon. Also used in specialised spray paints, surface coatings, man-made resin and artificial gum. Some printers' ink may contain the compound. It is used in metal foundries to bind materials in low-temperature curing of metal components.

Substance details

Substance name: Methylenebis (phenylisocyanate)

CASR number: 101-68-8

Molecular formula: C15H10N2 O2

Synonyms: Isocyanic acid, methylenedi-p-phenylene ester mdi benzene, 1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyanato)- (9ci) methylenebis (4-isocyanatobenzene) bis(p-isocyanatophenyl)methane 1,1-methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene) bis(1,4-isocyanatophenyl)methane methylenebis(p-phenylene isocyanate) methylenebis(4-phenylene isocyanate) bis(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane p,p'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) caradate 30 desmodur 44 4,4'diisocyanatodiphenylmethane 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate hylene m50 isonate 125m isonate 125mf methylenebis(p-phenyl isocyanate) methylenebis(4-phenyl isocyanate) 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) 4,4'-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate methylenedi-p-phenylene diisocyanate methylenedi-p-phenylene isocyanate 4,4'-methylenediphenylene isocyanate nocconate 300 nci-c50668, MDI.

Physical properties

Insoluble brown liquid, yellow to white crystals or solid at normal temperatures.

Melting Point: 37.2°C

Boiling Point: 196°C

Specific Gravity: 1.197

Vapour Density: 8.6.

Chemical properties

A stable solid under normal conditions in the atmosphere, insoluble in water but soluble in solvents such as acetone, kerosene and benzene. Will react vigorously with alcohol, acid and some other compounds.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of Methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) emissions in Australia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist