Safety when handling cyclohexylamine in non-industrial amounts Today I was pipetting some cyclohexylamine into smaller bottles so that I don't have to use the liter flask every time I need a little bit of catalyst or plasticizer. I pipetted several 10-20 mL portions in the open air on a regular table.

Because I lack experience I'm extra precautious with what I do. From the MSDS's of cyclohexylamine I found that 10 mL will kill an adult male, which if you look at is isn't very much, less than a swig of water.

Of course I'm wearing a lab coat, safety goggles and chemical resistant gloves, but a few things concerned me (or at least made me wonder if it was the right/safe way to handle). According to the MSDS of ScienceLab the odor threshold is 26 ppm, while according to CAMEO, the PAC-3 for cyclohexylamine is 30 ppm, which Wikipedia defines as:


  PAC-3 : Life-threatening health effects.


When I opened the bottle the amine fish odor was very strongly noticeable, I however found no irritating effect on my eyes or lungs, although according to the documents provided above I was inhaling a lethal concentration. I'm quite confused here. More easily put as a question: as long as I don't feel irritation of my lungs or eyes, am I safe? And if I do, is there enough time to clean up (i.e. the most essential things, like shutting off electricity and closing open jars of chemicals) and leave?

Finally I accidentally touched a drop of cyclohexylamine (from the pipette) when I was cleaning up, with no gloves on. Although cyclohexylamine is listed as highly corrosive, I did not feel any irritation at all. Then I rinsed my pipette 3x with distilled water and put the waste in a jerrycan, but I still haven't figured out if I can pour the diluted mixture of water and cyclohexylamine down the drain, without poisoning myself or the neighborhood. The MSDS's keep quiet about that.

Can someone clear some confusions up for me. I will be greatly appreciated!
I once did some work with some small chain alkyl amines and they were bad news.  They would actually burn you if some got on your skin.  I always used a respirator and worked in a hood when using them.


  as long as I don't feel irritation of my lungs or eyes, am I safe?


If this is a one time occurrence, given the small quantities, I'd say the odds are way in your favor, but they call it "odds" for a reason.  My advice would be not to do it again without a respirator and hood where the exhaust is treated.


  And if I do, is there enough time to clean up (i.e. the most essential
  things, like shutting off electricity and closing open jars of
  chemicals) and leave?


If you ask an industrial hygiene professional, I'm sure the answer would be "no".  If it were me and I just began to notice some very mild sensation, I think I'd hold my breath and try to shut things down.  I know it doesn't make sense, but that's what I'd do.  If I noticed anything beyond the onset of very minor discomfort, I'd clear out fast and call the fire department.


  Finally I accidentally touched a drop of cyclohexylamine (from the
  pipette) when I was cleaning up, with no gloves on.


I'd keep washing it every so often during the day and I'd put some burn cream on it in between the washings.  I'd also take a good shower.  No harm in overreacting.


  still haven't figured out if I can pour the diluted mixture of water
  and cyclohexylamine down the drain


I'm almost positive that the answer is no.  Besides you and the neighborhood, it might react with the pipes or what's stuck in the pipes and create longer term toxicity problems when you're in that room at some later date.   Where I live, we have hazardous chemical drop-off centers (mainly for paint, oil and household chemicals, but used for everything chemical).  I'd pay the relatively small amount they charge and drop it off there.

One final note, even when using the right protective gear, some people become "sensitized" to amines.  This means that future exposure at even lower levels to a wide array of amines can be more dangerous.  Also, I'd try to open up the exposed room to as much outside air as possible, use a room fan too if you have one.