Skip to main content
CosIng Checker
CosIng Checker
EU cosmetic ingredients, restrictions and safety
Login
CAS 1 record

CAS 101-68-8

CAS 101-68-8 matches 1 EU annex record across Annex II–VI of Regulation 1223/2009.

Check this CAS numberBrowse annexes

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 101-68-8
CAS 101-68-8PubChem CID 7570

Diphenylmethane diisocyanate

Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate is a diisocyanate consisting of diphenylmethane with two isocyanate groups at the 4- and 4'-positions. It has a role as an allergen and a hapten. It derives from a hydride of a diphenylmethane. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
1-isocyanato-4-[(4-isocyanatophenyl)methyl]benzene
Molecular formula
C15H10N2O2
Molecular weight
250.25 g/mol
Exact mass
250.074227566 Da
XLogP3
5.4
Topological polar surface area
58.9 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

4,4'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanateBis(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane4,4'-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)IsonateDesmodur 44p,p'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate1,1'-Methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)Methylbisphenyl isocyanate
16 more reported names
4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate4,4'-DiisocyanatodiphenylmethaneMethylene bisphenyl isocyanatediphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanateCaradate 30Nacconate 300Isonate 125MBis(p-isocyanatophenyl)methaneDiphenylmethyl diisocyanateIsonate 125 MFRubinate 44Bis(1,4-isocyanatophenyl)methaneMethylenebis(4-phenyl isocyanate)Hylene M50Diphenylmethan-4,4'-diisocyanatMethylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:53218

diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate

A diisocyanate consisting of diphenylmethane with two isocyanate groups at the 4- and 4'-positions.

Formula
C15H10N2O2
Average mass
250.257 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
250.07423 Da
Formal charge
0
  • diisocyanate — is a (CHEBI:53213)
  • hapten — has role (CHEBI:59174)
  • allergen — has role (CHEBI:50904)
  • diphenylmethane — has parent hydride (CHEBI:38884)
  • hapten — has role (CHEBI:59174)
  • allergen — has role (CHEBI:50904)
  • diisocyanate — is a (CHEBI:53213)
Additional curated names
1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)1,1'-Methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)4-4'-Diisocyanate de diphenylmethane4,4'-Diisocyanatodiphenylmethane4,4'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate4,4'-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate4,4'-Methylenediphenylene diisocyanate4,4'-Methylenediphenylene isocyanate4,4'-Methylenedi(phenyl isocyanate)4,4'-Methylenediphenyl isocyanate4,4'-Methylenedi-p-phenylene diisocyanateBis(1,4-isocyanatophenyl)methaneBis(4-isocyanatophenyl)methaneBis(para-isocyanatophenyl)methaneBis(p-isocyanatophenyl)methaneDiphenylmethan-4,4'-diisocyanatDiphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanateDiphenyl methane diisocyanateDiphenylmethane diisocyanateDiphenylmethyl diisocyanateMDIMDRMethylbisphenyl isocyanateMethylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene)Methylenebis(4-phenylene isocyanate)Methylenebis(4-phenyl isocyanate)Methylenebis(para-phenylene isocyanate)Methylenebis(para-phenyl isocyanate)Methylenebisphenyl diisocyanateMethylene bisphenyl isocyanateMethylenebis(p-phenylene isocyanate)Methylenebis(p-phenyl isocyanate)Methylenedi-para-phenylene diisocyanateMethylene diphenyl diisocyanateMethylenedi-p-phenylene diisocyanateMethylene di-p-phenylene isocyanatepara,para'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanatepara,para'-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)
Cross-references from this source

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2016-03-21. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7570

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (100%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (99.9%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (90.1%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334 (100%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335 (96%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351 (99%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H373 (88.9%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1939 reports by companies from 54 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.6% (37 of 1404) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (97.4%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (97.4%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (97.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330 (31.4%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H332 (66%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334 (97.4%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335 (92%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351 (94.3%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H373 (95.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P320, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1404 reports by companies from 40 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 37 of 1404 reports by companies.; There are 39 notifications provided by 1367 of 1404 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Exposure to high levels of cyanide for a short time harms the brain and heart and can even cause coma, seizures, apnea, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic inhalation of cyanide causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, vomiting, blood changes, headaches, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. (L96, L97) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: This chemical exists as a colorless or light yellow fused solid. 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is miscible in water, and soluble in acetone, benzene, kerosene, and nitrobenzene. The product is used to make rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane foams. Pure MDI is distilled from the reaction mixture and is used for reaction injection molding, thermoplastic elastomers, and adhesives. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: MDI is irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory passages. Nose and throat irritation has also been observed. A few cases of alveolitis have been reported in workers exposed to MDI vapors. Contact allergy and allergic contact eczema have been reported in workers exposed to MDI. Cases of asthmatic breathing have been observed in workers. Lung fibrosis is also been observed in workers exposed to MDI. Children living in proximity of an accidental MDI release had signs of sore throat, dizziness, nausea and breathing difficulties MDI is an allergic sensitizer. Workers in occupational settings have the potential for inhalation or skin contact with particles of MDI. There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of MDI in humans. ANIMAL STUDIES: Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Cyanide is an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (found in the membrane of the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells). It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted and the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. Cyanide is also known produce some of its toxic effects by binding to catalase, glutathione peroxidase, methemoglobin, hydroxocobalamin, phosphatase, tyrosinase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Cyanide binds to the ferric ion of methemoglobin to form inactive cyanmethemoglobin. (L97) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate hydrolyzes rapidly in aqueous solution(1-3); therefore, bioconcentration will not be an important environmental fate process(SRC). Exposure of carp to 0.00001% concentrations of 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate for an eight week period resulted in no bioaccumulations(4). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: When monomeric 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate is handled as a liquid (melting point 38 °C), it will solidify on contact with soil(1). 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate reacts readily with water(1-5). If released to soil, agglomerations of 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate react with water to form a hard crust of inert, water-insoluble material comprised of polyureas(1); the polyurea crusts can entrap monomeric 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and prevent further contact with water, thereby increasing the persistence time(1). 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.0X10-6 mm Hg(6). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2012). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate was added to a model marine system and a model river to simulate spill situations(1,2); 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate concentrations fell to a maximum of 5% of initial value within one day(1,2). Spills or agglomerations of 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate react with water to form a hard crust of inert, water-insoluble material comprised of polyureas(1); the polyurea crusts can entrap monomeric 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and prevent further contact with water, thereby increasing the persistence time(1). Small aquatic releases of 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate will hydrolyze rapidly in water with an estimated half-life of a few minutes to a few hours(3-5). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2012). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, which has a vapor pressure of 5.0X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 11 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.2X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3). Reaction with atmospheric water vapor(4) may increase the atmospheric degradation rate several fold(SRC). Particulate-phase 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition(SRC). 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Monomers; Polymerization promoter; Binder; Intermediate; Pigment Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Other; Binder; Polymerization promoter; Monomers; Sealant (barrier); Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Elasticizer; Surface modifier; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Hardener; Intermediate Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: The commercial form of MDI is primarily used to produce polyurethane foams. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Pattern of use in 1974: coatings (28%); elastomers (22%); thermoplastic resins (22%); spandex fibers (19%); millable gums (9%); [HSDB] Occupational asthma reported in foundry; [Malo] Allergic contact dermatitis in shoemakers and other workers using glues; [Marks] Used in spray-on truck bed liners; [Reference #2] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Molding and Core Making [Category: Foundry]; Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy) [Category: Hobbies] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Sources/Uses: Used in the furniture, car, shoe, carpet, refrigerators and freezers, textile, coatings, and construction industries; [IUCLID] Used primarily in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams; Other uses include coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, paints, footwear, (semi) flexible and thermoplastic polyurethane foams, polyurethane fibers, and to make particle board and foundry mould cores; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Molding and Core Making [Category: Foundry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Typically, a mixture of MDI and its dimer and trimer is formed (polymeric MDI). This product is used primarily to make rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane foams. Pure MDI is distilled from the reaction mixture and is mainly used for reaction injection-molding, thermoplastic elastomers and adhesives. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Preparation of polyurethane resin and spandex fibers; bonding rubber to rayon and nylon. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: MDI is used in two-component polyurethane coating systems which are used for aircraft, tank trucks and truck trailers due to durability and toughness. It is also used to produce polyurethane lacquer coatings applied to certain automobile body components and, to small extent, to patent leather. Other uses ... are in production of thermoplastic polyurethane resins, millable gums and spandex fibers. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: TDI and MDI are used in surface coatings (e.g. for chutes used in mining and agriculture), in the shoe industry for shoe soles, in the automobile industry for shock absorbers, and in a wide variety of other industries. MDI occurs in foundries in binders for casting forms, and in orthopedic surgery in casts for broken bones. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate is used in the manufacture of polyurethane and as an an industrial strength adhesive. (L576) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Records for CAS 101-68-8

1 total
No records found for this CAS number.

How CAS 101-68-8 is used on this site

CAS 101-68-8 is the Chemical Abstracts Service identifier used to pin this page to a specific substance. In the current dataset, 1 EU annex record shares this identifier, which helps you cross-check whether the same substance appears under one regulatory context or several.

Use this page when a supplier specification, SDS or raw-material dossier gives you CAS 101-68-8 and you need to see every linked Annex II–VI record in one place. The entry cards above are the quickest route to concentration limits, warnings, annex placement and product-type conditions.