Rando1234
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Handling of Aniline
Hi All,
I am considering an experiment that involves handling freebase aniline. I'm concerned about handling it because of its volatility and carcinogenic and
toxic properties. I've only ever handled its hydrochloride salt (produced by hydrolysis of acetanilide) to use in diazonations. Works pretty well, by
the way.
The process I'm doing involves heating it at 110C for 2 hours with paraformaldehyde and substituted phenols to make a derivative of benzoxazine. I'm
doing it on a 10 gram scale. Are there any other concerns here besides the obvious concern of formaldehyde vapors?
I have access to a respirator, goggles, gloves, lab coat, and a well-ventilated workspace. Do you think it's safe for me to handle freebase aniline
under these circumstances?
Thanks,
Jacob
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B(a)P
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The most significant exposure route for aniline is via dermal adsorption, so make sure you have a set up that will ensure any accidents/failures don't
mean that you end up covered in the stuff.
For aniline you might like to double glove and have suitable protection to prevent any splashes getting on your skin. Note that is a commercial
setting a full body suit is often worn if there is any chance of spills or splashes when dealing with aniline.
For respiratory protection you will need ABEK cartridges. Given the dermal contact risk a full face respirator is probably the most appropriate. You
then need to decide for yourself if you have enough ventilation such that you do not exceed the vapour concentration that your respirator is rated to.
A full face respirator is good for approximately 50 times the exposure limit (assuming it is well fitted and you are clean shaven), so for aniline you
wouldn't want much more than 5000 ppm in your breathing space.
Hope this helps and best of luck with the synthesis!
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Rando1234
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B(a)P: Thanks. I'm only working with about 2-5ml aniline at one time, and I do believe that my ventilation and the reflux condenser I'm putting over
it should go a ways to protect me from the fumes. I do have a tight-fitting full-face respirator and I am clean-shaven which I think will do help a
bit. Unfortunately the cartridges are only P100...do you think it still will be safe to work with?
Edit: I just ordered ABEK cartridges for my respirator.
[Edited on 17-1-2022 by JacobM]
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B(a)P
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Unfortunately a P100 cartridge will not provide any respiratory protection from organic vapours. They are designed to remove particulates.
The good thing about aniline is you can smell it before it becomes dangerous to your health from an inhalation perspective. If you can't get access to
ABEK cartridges you could just use your mask for dermal protection (preventing splashes getting on your face), then leave the area if you can smell
aniline. Obviously this isn't ideal, but it might be suitable for the scale you are talking about.
I can't tell you if it is safe or not, that is for you to decide, but hopefully the information I have provided can help inform how you proceed.
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B(a)P
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Excellent, they are very useful. Make sure when you are done with them that you remove them from your mask and store them in an air tight container or
bag. This way they will last for quite some time.
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Rando1234
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I'm going to wait for the ABEK cartridges I ordered to arrive before I do it. That should probably help me work with it safely. That's probably the
safest choice.
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Rando1234
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Thanks, I'll make sure that I do that.
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mackolol
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You might as well consider wearing a visor. That will protect the skin from anilline potentially splashing on your face.
[Edited on 18-1-2022 by mackolol]
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Rando1234
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Ah, I think I have one I can wear somewhere. If I can find it I'll use it.
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MaeBorowski
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I worked twice with a significant amount of pure aniline (about 60 g). I think several drops on your skin can't damage your health more than 6 h in
full-body chemical protection suit or something like. Aniline is average toxic, but it doesn't accumulate in your body so you can work without a gas
mask and even gloves if you are dexterous enough. The final choise is yours
please leave comments about my English in PM
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zed
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Build some sort of a fume hood. Masks and cartridges, aren't supposed to be a substitute for a good hood.
They are more like an adjunct to be used in addition to a hood.
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GANS
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Also mind your glove material, it might be worth investing in a pack of Gloves made from Fluor or Butylrubber. The Nitril ones arent recommended
cause of smaller permeation times, even tho thats on a industrial scale. (smaller permeation times in this case mean =< 30min for the nitril work
gloves we use)
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Crazy_Chemist
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I heard once, about a guy who sat in chair there someone had poured anilin on it, and it absorbed through the clothes and he died.. 
Amateur chemist, just for fun!
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