Methyl isocyanate

• CAT Number: R069511
• CAS Number: 624-83-9
• Molecular Formula: CH3NCO
• Molecular Weight: 57.052
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: MIC, Methyl carbamine, Isocyanomethane, Methyl carbonyl amine, Isocyanic acid methyl ester
• Storage: RT
• IUPAC Name: methylimino(oxo)methane
• InChI: InChI=1S/C2H3NO/c1-3-2-4/h1H3
• InChIKey: HAMGRBXTJNITHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES: CN=C=O

Methyl isocyanate, a volatile compound with significant industrial applications, finds use in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Despite its utility, methyl isocyanate’s notoriety stems from the tragic Bhopal disaster in 1984, where its accidental release led to thousands of casualties. This incident underscored the critical importance of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight in handling hazardous substances. Understanding its properties and risks remains crucial for ensuring the safe handling and transportation of methyl isocyanate, mitigating potential hazards to human health and the environment.