Vinylpyridine

General Description

Colorless to light yellow liquid that consists of a mixture of isomers. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Floats on water. Contact irritates skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

VINYL PYRIDINE, INHIBITED contains additives to prevent unwanted rapid polymerization. May nevertheless polymerize exothermically if subjected to heat for prolonged periods or if contaminated. If polymerization takes place inside a closed container, the container may violently rupture. May polymerize upon contact with peroxides and with compounds partially peroxidized by exposure to the air [Bretherick 1979 p. 160]. Reacts with oxidizing agents [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980 p. 960]. Neutralizes acids in exothermic reactions to form salts plus water. Incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. May generate hydrogen, a flammable gas, in combination with strong reducing agents such as hydrides.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.