The gas leaked from a storage tank of the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal gas tragedy was
(a) Methylis

Q: What was the use of Methyl Isocyanate in the plant?

It was used as an intermediate chemical in the production of carbamate pesticides like Sevin (carbaryl).

Q: Why is MIC so dangerous?

MIC is highly toxic, reactive, and volatile. When inhaled, it causes severe damage to the respiratory system, leading to pulmonary edema and death.

Q: Is Phosgene related to this tragedy?

Phosgene was used in the production of MIC at the plant, but the massive leak that caused the tragedy was of Methyl Isocyanate itself.

Q: What is the difference between cyanate and isocyanate?

In a cyanate group ($-\text{O}-\text{C}\equiv\text{N}$), the oxygen atom is attached to the alkyl group. In an isocyanate group ($-\text{N}=\text{C}=\text{O}$), the nitrogen atom is attached to the alkyl group.

Q: Can MIC react with water?

Yes, MIC reacts exothermically with water. In fact, the tragedy was triggered when water accidentally entered the MIC storage tank, causing a runaway exothermic reaction.

Question

The gas leaked from a storage tank of the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal gas tragedy was

Options:

(A) Methylisocyanate

(B) Methylamine

(C) Ammonia

(D) Phosgene

Sigma Percentile · Accepted Answer

The Bhopal gas tragedy remains one of the darkest chapters in industrial history. Occurring on the night of December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, it serves as a grim reminder of the catastrophic consequences of industrial negligence.

### The Culprit: Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)

The gas responsible for this immense tragedy was **Methyl Isocyanate**, often abbreviated as MIC. It is an organic compound with the molecular formula $	ext{CH}_3	ext{NCO}$.

In the chemical industry, MIC is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of carbamate pesticides, such as carbaryl (Sevin). Its chemical structure is characterized by a methyl group attached to an isocyanate group:

$$ 	ext{CH}_3-	ext{N}=	ext{C}=	ext{O} $$

### Why was MIC so deadly?

Methyl Isocyanate is highly toxic, extremely reactive, and volatile. It reacts exothermically with water, generating a massive amount of heat. On that fateful night, it is believed that water accidentally entered the MIC storage tank. This triggered a runaway exothermic reaction, causing the temperature and pressure inside the tank to rise uncontrollably.

The resulting pressure forced the emergency venting of a large volume of toxic MIC gas into the atmosphere. Because MIC gas is heavier than air, it settled close to the ground, sweeping through the densely populated neighborhoods surrounding the plant.

### The Aftermath

The exposure to MIC caused immediate and severe respiratory distress, leading to pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), corneal damage, and thousands of immediate deaths. The long-term health effects continue to plague the survivors to this day.

Understanding the chemistry of such hazardous substances is not just about passing an exam; it is about recognizing the profound responsibility that comes with chemical manufacturing and handling.

Animated Solution for Chemistry - Environmental Chemistry: The gas leaked from a storage tank of the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal gas tragedy was

Select Answer:

Visualized Solution

\text{Bhopal Gas Tragedy}

\text{The Leaked Gas}

\text{Structure of Methyl Isocyanate}

\text{Conclusion}

The Sigma Insight: Atmospheric Pollution

The Culprit

Why was MIC so deadly?

The Aftermath

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