Technological Institute of the Philippines

RAW
MATERIAL
SPECIFICATION
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RAW MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

In the production of Adipic Acid, two main raw materials were used. These
are Cylohexanone-Cyclohexanol oil and Nitric Acid. The description, properties,
potential hazards and the storage and handling of these ingredients are described in
this chapter.

NITRIC ACID

Figure2: Image of Nitric Acid

(ref.en.wikipedia.org)

DESCRIPTION
Nitric acid is a pure compound, it is colorless and used primarily in the
manufacture of fertilizers, cleaning products, and explosives. Most nitric acid is
used in the production of fertilizers and explosives. Nitrogen is one of the elements
essential for plant growth and organic nitrates are the compounds which provide
energy for most of the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Therefore,
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enriching soils with nitrate fertilizers enhances the growth of plants.

Table 1 Nitric Acid Composition
COMPONENT WEIGHT (%)
HNO3 55%
H2O 45%

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Nitric acid is a highly corrosive mineral acid. Pure nitric acid is colorless but
older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast because of decomposition overtime.
Nitric acid is also commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent. Nitric acid is
corrosive to metals, plastics and alloys except aluminum and special chromium
steels.
Table 2 Physical Properties of Nitric Acid
(ref. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Chemical Name Nitric Acid
IUPAC Name Nitric Acid
Chemical Formula HNO3
Molecular Weight 63.012 g/mol
Physical State Liquid
Color Colorless to Yellow Liquid
Odor Pungent, acrid and suffocating
Boiling Point 83 OC
Melting Point -42 OC
Density 1.5129 g/cm3
Vapor Density in Air 2.2
Vapor Pressure 48 mmHg
Solubility in Water Completely miscible
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pH 3.01
Viscosity 1.092 mPa-s at 0 OC
Corrosive to metals, plastics and alloys
Corrosiveness except aluminum and special chromium
steels
Flammability/ Auto-Ignition Not combustible

POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND TOXICITY

Below is the list of the potential health hazards from nitric acid if not
carefully handled. Other hazards such as fire and explosion are indicated. Also, first
aid measures and personal protective equipment are identified to prevent and avoid
these hazards.
Table 3 shows the potential health hazards in exposure to nitric acid with
their corresponding cause of contact.
Table 3 Potential Health Hazards of Nitric Acid
(ref. Material Safety Data Sheet, Nitric Acid MSDS)
POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Eye irritant. Contact may cause stinging, water,
Eye
redness and swelling.
Skin irritant. Contact may cause redness, itching,
Skin burning and skin damage. No harmful effects from
skin absorption have been reported.
Inhalation at high concentration can cause coughing,
Inhalation
sore throat, shortness of breath, and suffocation.
Ingestion at high concentration can cause, cause
headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting,
Ingestion
bloody diarrhea, weakness, a tingling sensation,
heart and circulation irregularities, convulsions
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collapse, and suffocation

Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as
possible. Loosen tight clothing such as collar, tie,
Serious Inhalation belt or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer
oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Table 4 shows the first aid measures and the personal protective equipment
to their corresponding cause of contact. In addition, a source of clean water should
be available in the work area for flushing eyes and skin. Impervious clothing should
be worn as needed.

Table 4 First Aid Measures and Personal Protective Equipment for Nitric
Acid
(ref. Material Safety Data Sheet, Nitric Acid MSDS)
PERSONAL
FIRST AID MEASURES PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Check for and remove any contact lenses.
Approved eye
If irritation or redness develops, move
protection to safeguard
victim away from exposure and into fresh
Eye against potential eye
air. Flush eyes with clean water for at
contact, irritation, or
least 15 minutes. If symptoms persist,
injury is recommended.
seek medical attention.
Remove contaminated shoes and clothing, The use of cloth or
and flush affected area(s) with large leather work gloves is
Skin
amounts of water. If skin surface is advised to prevent skin
damaged, apply a clean dressing and seek contact, possible
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medical attention. If skin surface is not irritation and absorption

damaged, cleanse affected area(s)
thoroughly by washing with mild soap
and water. If irritation or redness
develops, seek medical attention.
If respiratory symptoms develop, move
victim away from source of exposure and
into fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek
medical attention. If victim is not The use of masks to
Inhalation breathing, clear airway and immediately avoid inhalation
begin artificial respiration. If breathing exposure.
difficulties develop, oxygen should be
administered by qualified personnel. Seek
immediate medical attention.
Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon
as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as
a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If the The use of masks to
Serious
victim is having breathing difficulty, avoid inhalation
Inhalation
administer oxygen. If not breathing, exposure.
perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Seek medical attention immediately.
First aid is not normally required
however, if swallowed and symptoms
Ingestion
develop, seek medical attention. Do not
induce vomiting.
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POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND TOXICITY

Nitric acid is a strong aid that reacts violently with bases and completely
ionizes in a solution provided there is sufficient solvent. Nitric acid is not flammable
but can increase the flammability of other combustible materials. Nitric acid can
decompose when subjected to heat or light, producing toxic fumes.
Nitric acid is also highly corrosive to metals and alloys. Contact with metals
and alloys may evolve flammable hydrogen gas and may cause explosion.

FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Fight fire from the maximum distance of fire extinguishers or use unmanned
hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside the nitric acid containers.
Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Immediately withdraw in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or
discoloration of the storage tank.
PROPER HANDLING AND STORAGE
It is important that all engineering controls are operating and the personal
protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being
followed. Nitric acid should be stored in tightly closed containers and maintained in
a cool, well-ventilated area and away from incompatible substances such as
reducing agents, combustible materials, organic materials, metals, acids, alkalis and
moisture. The use of stainless steel as material of construction for the nitric acid is
recommended due to its high corrosiveness to metals and alloys.
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CYCLOHEXANONE-CYCLOHEXANOL

DESCRIPTION
Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol (KA-OIL) mixture oil is only used in
industry as an intermediate in the manufacture of adipic acid (an important raw
material for the production of nylon 6-6).

Table 5.5 KA-Oil Composition

WEIGHT
COMPONENT
(mole ratio)
Cyclohexanone 10%
Cyclohexanol 100%
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol is a colorless, viscous liquid with a

camphor-or methanol-like odor (strong odor).

Table 5.6 Physical Properties of Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol

(ref. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol
Chemical Name KA oil
Olone
CAS Number 000108-93-0
Chemical Formula C12H22O2
Molecular Weight 198.306 g/mol
Physical State Liquid
Color Colorless
Odor Strong camphor odor
Boiling Point 90-170 OC
Melting Point -80--90 OC
Flash point 49 OC
Flammability Flammable Liquid
Density 0.947 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure 6.3-7.8 hPa at 25 OC
86 g/L at 20 °C (cyclohexanone)
Solubility
36 g/L at 20 °C (cyclohexanol)
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HEALTH EFFECTS
EFFECT ASSESSMENT
Acute Toxicity Oral / inhalation /
dermal
Irritation / corrosion Skin / eye /
respiratory tract
Sensitisation
Toxicity after repeated exposure Oral /
inhalation / dermal
Genotoxicity / Mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity No data available.
Toxicity for reproduction No adverse
effect on fertility and on development
RESULT
Harmful if swallowed. Harmful in
contact with skin. Harmful if inhaled.
Causes skin irritation. Causes serious
eye irritation. May cause respiratory
irritation.
Not classified as sensitising by skin
contact.
Not classified based on test results (oral
exposure) for cyclohexanone. No data
for dermal exposure and inhalation.
Neither mutagenic nor genetic effects,
based on in vitro and in vivo test results
Carcinogenicity No data available.
based on in vivo experimental study
results.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND TOXICITY

Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol is very useful in industries especially in
production of adipic acid which is used for production of nylon.Handling of
Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol can be dangerous, however. Therefore, the use and
wearing of personal protective equipment should be prioritized. Exposure to air
can cause several health damages and conditions when inhaled. Listed in the table
below are the potential health hazards and ways to avoid further damages. Other
hazards such as fire and explosion and its preventive measures are indicated.
 Technological Institute of the Philippines

Table 5.7 shows the potential health hazards in exposure to anhydrous

ammonia with their corresponding cause of contact.

Table 5.7 Potential Health Hazards of Ammonia

(ref. Material Safety Data Sheet, Anhydrous Ammonia MSDS)
POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns.
Eye
May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
Causes skin irritation. May cause irritation and dermatitis. May cause
Skin
cyanosis of the extremities.
Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system
effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness
Inhalation and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Aspiration may lead to
pulmonary edema. Inhalation at high concentrations may cause CNS
depression and asphixiation.
auses gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by
Ingestion excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and
possible death due to respiratory failure.
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Table 5.8 First Aid Measures and Personal Protective Equipment for
Anhydrous Ammonia
(ref. Material Safety Data Sheet, Anhydrous Ammonia MSDS)
PERSONAL
FIRST AID MEASURES PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Check for and remove any contact lenses. If
irritation or redness develops, move victim
Chemical goggles with full
Eye away from exposure and into fresh air. Flush
face shield.
eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Remove contaminated shoes and clothing,
Leather gloves, rubber or
and flush affected area(s) with large
neoprene gloves should be
amounts of water. Remove contaminated
worn. Total encapsulating
Skin clothing immediately. If liquid comes in
chemical suit may be
contact with skin, flush with plenty of
necessary in large release
lukewarm water for several minutes. Seek
area.
medical attention as soon as possible
If respiratory symptoms develop, move
victim away from source of exposure and
into fresh air. If victim is not breathing, clear
airway and immediately begin artificial The use of masks to avoid
Inhalation
respiration. If breathing difficulties develop, inhalation exposure.
oxygen should be administered by qualified
personnel. Seek immediate medical
attention.
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FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

Cyclohexanone-Cyclohexanol is highly irritating, flammable liquid and
vapour. It poses an immediate fire and explosion hazard.

FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-
demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During
a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal
decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers
cool. Water may be ineffective. Material is lighter than water and a fire may be
spread by the use of water. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire.
Combustible liquid. Vapors may be heavier than air. They can spread along the
ground and collect in low or confined areas. Containers may explode when
heated.
In case of fire use water, dry chemical, chemical foam, or alcohol-
resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be
ineffective. Do NOT use straight streams of water. Cool containers with flooding
quantities of water until well after fire is out.

PROPER HANDLING AND STORAGE

Due to the hazards associated with handling and production of KA oil,
operator protection must receive top priority at all times. Chemical-proof ogles,
rubber gloves, and a heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt are required for handling KA
oil. In case of exposure, first aid must immediately be administered. Sufficient
amount of water for flushing a person who has been accidentally exposed to KA
oil should be available at all times nearby.
KA-Oil is only used as an intermediate in industry. During manufacturing
and use, the substance is handled under strictly controlled conditions, example is
process, storage and handling operations are enclosed in order to avoid human
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exposure. Where there is a risk of exposure, during purification or cleaning and

maintenance of equipment, special procedures are applied to minimise workers’
exposure potential. Consumer exposure is not expected as KA-Oil is manufactured
and used only in industrial settings under strictly controlled conditions.