Safely working with o-toluidine

O-toluidine, also known as 2-methylaniline, is a toxic organic compound commonly used in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and rubber chemicals. Exposure to o-toluidine can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and it poses significant health hazards, including irritation, toxicity to organs, and potential carcinogenic effects.

Before working with the material one has to first research the risks associated with it, by reading the SDS. Notably:

Personal protection equipment:
-Eyes: Safety goggles with side protection
-Skin: Although nitrile gloves may be sufficient, the reccomended protection for this material is FKM (fluoro rubber) or butyl rubber of at least 0.5mm, which is completely impermeable to the substance.
-Respiratory protection: Aerosol, mists and vapours are the main exposure sources, this material must be used inside a chemical fume hood, or at least in a well ventilated area with respiratory protection (Type: A, against organic gases and vapours with a boiling point of > 65 °C , colour code: Brown)

Working with o-toluidine minimizing the exposure:
-Place the flask where the experiment is going to be runned on a scale and tare.
-Secure the o-toluidine bottle with a clamp, open the lid and draw liquid with a pipette. Release the liquid into the flask, mesuring the needed amount. Everything in excess is returned to the bottle. NEVER pour the liquid directly from the bottle, as this might cause dripping and splashing.
-Add the solvent to the flask, suck in and out the reaction mixture with the pipette to clean and remove droplets from inside it. Rinse it again with acetone after, to assure every trace is removed.
-After running the reaction, disassemble the apparatus at room temperature, and workup cautiously the reaction mixture

In case of spills:
Absorb with liquid-binding material (sand, diatomaceous earth, acid- or universal binding agents), place in appropriate containers for disposal. Ventilate affected area.

In case of exposure:
Read SDS and call poison center, the severity of the exposure directly impacts the associated dangers