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TB 83

ANGUS Chemical Company


Technical Bulletin

TRIS NITRO
TRIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)NITROMETHANE*
®

USE IN CHEMICAL TOILET APPLICATIONS

TRIS NITRO is an effective deodorizer for Ease of Handling


chemical toilet formulations with a number of
distinct advantages: TRIS NITRO is not an irritant and does not present a
danger if skin contact occurs. Consequently, there is a
! Long lasting odor control reduced level of concern for rental operators regarding
! Seven day protection in hot, humid conditions user safety. Also, TRIS NITRO is not a RCRA hazardous
waste; there are no reporting requirements for spills which
! Ease of handling eliminates the concern of rental operators about spills in
! Ease of formulation the field.
! Low toxicity
Ease of Formulation
! Biodegradable
TRIS NITRO is water soluble and compatible with most
! Regulatory acceptance chemical toilet deodorizer additives.

Low Toxicity
Product Advantages The Oral LD50 for TRIS NITRO solid in rats is 1875 mg/kg.
Under the requirements of the Federal Hazardous
Long Lasting Odor Control Substances Act, formulations with an oral LD50 of greater
than 5000 mg/kg may be classifiable as nontoxic. The
The primary function of chemical toilet deodorizers is odor LD50 of a 25% solution of TRIS NITRO is on the order of
control. When properly formulated, TRIS NITRO will 7500 mg/kg. However, because of the possibility of
provide excellent long-term odor control as compared with synergistic effects from other additives, the final
other deodorizer ingredients. formulation must be tested for toxicity to demonstrate its
safety.
Seven Day Protection in Hot, Humid Conditions
Truly effective chemical toilet deodorizers will control odor Biodegradable
for seven days in hot, humid weather. TRIS NITRO’s slow TRIS NITRO rapidly degrades in the environment which is
release mechanism provides increased deodorizer important for disposal purposes.
strength as a function of temperature and tank load.
Therefore, TRIS NITRO’s deodorizing action will be Regulatory Acceptance
available when needed most.
There is no nationally recognized standard regarding the
biodegradability of chemical toilet deodorizers. However,
TRIS NITRO has been approved for use in chemical
toilets in the State of California.

*Indexed by Chemical Abstracts as


2-hydroxymethyl-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol,
CAS Registry No. 126-11-4.

ANGUS Chemical Company Phone: 847-215-8600


1500 E. Lake Cook Road Toll Free: 800-447-4369
A subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Fax: 847-215-8626
TRIS NITRO is available as a 50% aqueous solution of TRIS NITRO provides deodorizer protection under
tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane, and a 95% white alkaline conditions by decomposing to release
crystalline solid which is quite stable when dry. formaldehyde. TRIS NITRO in any alkaline fluid will, in
time, breakdown (see Figure 1). Even when a fluid has
TRIS NITRO is a highly effective deodorant for use in been treated a number of times, TRIS NITRO will not
chemical toilet formulations. It provides the deodorant increase in concentration in the system. Used fluids, for
properties of formaldehyde without the hazardous example, will have much lower TRIS NITRO
exposure associated with formaldehyde. TRIS NITRO is concentrations than when freshly prepared, and the
quite stable in neutral or acidic solutions. However, in remaining TRIS NITRO will degrade. A study has shown
slightly alkaline solutions, TRIS NITRO slowly that low concentrations of TRIS NITRO are assimilated by
decomposes to release formaldehyde. This release sludge obtained from a municipal sewage system.
increases as pH or temperature increases. By controlling
pH and/or temperature, the working life of TRIS NITRO When properly handled and disposed of, TRIS NITRO will
can be varied from a few minutes to several months not be released directly to the environment. Nevertheless,
according to conditions of use (see Figure 1). It is studies have been conducted to assess the possible
because of this controlled release that TRIS NITRO is effects on wildlife which might result from improper
such an effective deodorant; it performs on demand when handling or accidental spills of the compound.
tank load or temperature increase and deodorizing
performance is needed most. Under ordinary use
conditions, the odor of formaldehyde should not be Figure 1
detectable. Stability of TRIS Nitro in
Phosphate Buffer Solutions
Concentration = 1% Concentration of Buffer = 5%
Formulating Considerations 7

pH 6.0
The action of TRIS NITRO is based primarily on 6 Note: No decomposition at pH 4.0

pH 7.5

.0
formaldehyde release, controlled by alkalinity in aqueous

pH 9
5
solution. TRIS NITRO is soluble in water, alcohols and
glycols and can be readily incorporated into water-based 4
DAYS

dilutable concentrates. However, the pH of these


concentrates should not be higher than 7.0 to ensure 3 Data at 25°C
stability of the TRIS NITRO during storage and shipping
2
prior to on-site dilution. If such a concentrate is not
buffered (contains no phosphates or other polyvalent 1
anions), its dilutions will be readily alkalinized during use,
thus permitting controlled release of the active 0
pH 4.0

deodorizing agent. As an alternative, a small amount of


9.0
6
caustic soda or other alkaline material can be added to
7.5
6.0

pH
pH

the freshly-diluted solution to assure immediate initiation


pH

5
of controlled formaldehyde release.
4
DAYS

Data at 40°C
Perfumes and dyes chosen for TRIS NITRO-containing 3
concentrates should be stable to formaldehyde and to pH
variations; TRIS NITRO is non-foaming and effective when 2
used with all classes of surfactants. It can also be used in
1
combination with other commonly-used active ingredients
of toilet deodorizing solutions, if desired. 0

Environmental Considerations 5 Data at 60°C


4
DAYS

4.0

pH 9.0
7.5

When properly used and disposed of, TRIS NITRO will


6.0
pH

pH
pH

have no measurable effect on the environment. As a 3


deodorizing agent for chemical toilets, TRIS NITRO
should never be released directly to the environment if 2
materials containing it are properly handled. For example, 1
some formulated products are harmful to fish and wildlife
if released directly to water courses even if they do not 0
contain TRIS NITRO. Such materials must always be 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
treated physically, chemical, and/or biologically in 0% Decomposed
industrial treatment systems to render them harmless
before disposal.
2
The 5-day dietary LC50 in mallard ducks was found to be with the skin and minimal loss by evaporation or wiping
in excess of 80,000 ppm of TRIS NITRO (expressed as on the subject’s clothing. There was absolutely no skin
the 50% solution). The LC0 was in excess of 40,000 ppm. irritation in either the open or closed tests on any of the
The symptoms of toxicity seen at doses of 20,000 ppm 25 subjects.
or more appeared to be reversible when the birds were
fed an untreated diet for 16 days post-treatment. All birds In order to check on the sensitizing potential of aged
were normal when fed 2500, 5000, or 10,000 ppm cutting-oil emulsions containing TRIS NITRO, a series
TRIS NITRO. of human patch tests was conducted by another
independent organization. The subjects were
The 5-day dietary LC50 in bobwhite quail was found to be housewives, 30-65 years of age. The tests consisted of
in excess of 5000 ppm of TRIS NITRO (expressed as the three successive patch exposures of 24 hours duration
50% solution). No symptoms suggestive of toxicity were with 24 hours or more between exposures. The three
seen in birds fed 1250, 2500, or 5000 ppm TRIS NITRO. compositions employed consisted of (a) a typical cutting-
oil emulsion without TRIS NITRO, (b) the same emulsion
The LC50 of TRIS NITRO for rainbow trout was calculated to which 0.5% TRIS NITRO had been added just before
at 410 ppm. This implies that TRIS NITRO 50% is use in the test, (c) the same emulsion to which 0.5%
practically nontoxic to trout. TRIS NITRO had been added some time previously so
that aging effects would have had ample opportunity to
develop. The results of this test showed that addition of
0.5% TRIS NITRO (five to ten times as much as normally
Toxicity used) caused no increase in irritating effect whether it
was added just before use or some time previously. The
Acute Oral Animal Studies dermatologist concluded that normal users of the
emulsions would not be expected to experience any
A seven-day study on TRIS NITRO crystals given by primary irritation under the usual conditions of use.
gavage was conducted in mice with the following results:
These findings are ample evidence that TRIS NITRO is
LD0 1000 mg/kg not a primary irritant and that the sensitizing potential is
LD50 1900 + 350 mg/kg minimal. A small but significant proportion of workers
LD100 3000 mg/kg exposed to cutting oils in the metalworking industry
experience dermatitis from diverse causes. Some cutting
In a similar 14-day study of 50% aqueous TRIS NITRO in oils containing TRIS NITRO may be involved in a fraction
rats, the LD50 was determined to be 1875 mg/kg. of these cases due to some chemical reaction which is
not understood, but which may occur over a long period
Intraperitoneal Study in Mice of time.
In a seven-day study in mice TRIS NITRO crystals gave
the following results by the intraperitoneal route: Eye Irritation Study
In an eye irritation study conducted on rabbits using the
LD0 1000 mg/kg technique of Drazie, 0.1 mL of 50% aqueous TRIS
LD50 1850 + 340 mg/kg NITRO was placed in one eye of each of six rabbits.
LD100 3000 mg/kg Only two of the rabbits showed mild redness of the
conjunctivae and only one animal had a score of two at
Skin Irritation Studies 24 hours. The eyes of all rabbits were normal for the
In another study, TRIS NITRO 50% aqueous, diluted with remainder of the observation period.
distilled water to 1000 ppm, 3000 ppm and 10,000 ppm
active ingredient in water, was applied to the skin of six Sub-acute Dermal Study
rabbits. No skin irritation was observed for any of the Groups of 30 rats (15 males and 15 females per group)
exposed animals after 24 hours exposure. were exposed to 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day of TRIS
NITRO (100%) for five days per week for thirteen weeks.
A series of 48-hour patch tests were conducted by an Treatment produced yellow discoloration at the
independent dermatologist on 25 human volunteers using application site, however, no dermal reactions were
TRIS NITRO at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.6% in some apparent even under microscopic examination. No
typical cutting-oil emulsions. Another group was exposed exposed animals died and no adverse effects were
to the cutting oil alone without TRIS NITRO. The tests noted for any of the dosed rats in terms of clinical
were severe in that they were conducted with observations, body weights, body weight gains, food
concentrations of TRIS NITRO considerably higher than consumption, hematology or serum chemistry values,
any that have been found necessary to protect the urinalysis, opthalmologic findings, absolute and relative
emulsions from bacterial contamination. Both the closed organ weight, or gross necropsy findings.
and open methods of application were employed. The
closed method insures maximal contact of the preparation

3
Teratology
ANGUS Chemical Company manufactures
Three groups of 25 pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were and markets a variety of products most of
dosed by gavage daily with 0, 50, 375, or 750 mg/kg/day which are derived from chemicals called
of TRIS NITRO on gestation days 6 through 15. The nitroparaffins. Using a unique chemical
females were observed at least twice daily and weighed at process, these short-chain molecules can be
appropriate intervals. On gestation day 20, the animals further processed and refined into nitroparaf-
were sacrificed, and the fetuses were weighed, sexed, fin derivatives.These and other ANGUS
examined for external, skeletal and soft tissue anomalies, products offer customers worldwide a multi-
and developmental variations. tude of performance properties
in a broad range of applications
Mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were observed at a including paints, coatings and inks,
dose level of 750 mg/kg/day. biotechnology, pharmaceutical and
agricultural intermediates, personal care
Body weight gain was severely decreased throughout the products, metalworking fluids, water treat-
entire dosing period in the high-dose group. ment and fuel systems.
ANGUS Chemical Company
A slight decrease in the mean fetal body weight was 1500 E. Lake Cook Road
apparent in litters from the high dose group. The “non- Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
effect” level for maternal toxicity, fetotoxicity, and Telephone: (847) 215-8600
teratogenicity was considered to be 375 mg/kg/day of Telefax: (847) 215-8626
TRIS NITRO. Place Your Order Toll Free
(800) 942-8540
Samples and Technical Assistance
Mutagenicty (800) 362-2580
TRIS NITRO was judged to be nonmutagenic in an Ames Illinois Call Collect: (847) 215-8600
Bacterial/Microsomal Assay. The study utilized Salmonella ANGUS Chemie GmbH
typhimurium strains TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537 and Huyssenallee 5
TA 1538. The study was done at dosages of 0.1 to 1.0 45128 Essen
Germany
mg/plate with and without S9 liver microsomal fraction. Telephone: (49) 201-810930
Telefax: (49) 201-8109315
Similar results were obtained in a chromosome aberration Technical Assistance
study in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Doses of FREE Telephone: 00800-22441000
0.25 to 2.5 mg/mL were utilized. No mutagenic effect for FREE Facsimile: 00800-22442000
TRIS NITRO was noted either with or without S9 liver Direct Telephone: (49) 54 59 56-0
microsomal fraction. Direct Facsimile: (49) 54 59 56267
ANGUS Chemie GmbH
Doses of 0.313 to 2.5 mg/mL were employed in the Le Bonaparte-Centre d’Affaires
unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rat liver cell culture. Paris-Nord
93153 Le Blanc Mesnil
Analysis of prepared slides by autoradiographic technique France
demonstrated grain counts similar to the untreated control Telephone: (33) 1-48 65 73 40
for all doses. TRIS NITRO was judged to be Telefax: (33) 1-48 65 73 20
nonmutagenic in this assay. ANGUS Chemie GmbH
Unit 7, Rotunda Business Park Centre
Thorncliffe Park Estate
Chapeltown, Sheffield S30 4PH
Biodegradable England
Telephone: (44) 114-2571322
TRIS NITRO rapidly degrades in the environment which is Telefax: (44) 114-2571336
important for disposal purposes. ANGUS Chemical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
150 Beach Road
There is no nationally recognized standard regarding the #17-01 Gateway West
Singapore 189720
biodegradability of chemical toilet deodorizers. However, Telephone: (65) 293-1738
TRIS NITRO has been approved for use in chemical Telefax: (65) 293-3307
toilets in the State of California. ANGUS Chemical Company (Korea)
Room 910, Building “A”, Champs Elysees Center
889-5, Daechi-dong, Kangnam-ku
Seoul, Korea
Telephone: 82-2-565-0556
Telefax: 82-2-555-1488

The information and data contained herein are believed to be correct. However, we do not warrant
either expressly or by implication the accuracy thereof. In presenting uses for this product, no
attempt has been made to investigate or discuss any patent situations which may be involved.

TRIS NITRO is a Registered Trademark JBN – Form No. 253-01231


of ANGUS Chemical Company. © 1998 by ANGUS Chemical Company.
A subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

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