Explore · 3D Viewer · The Bhopal Disaster
Methyl isocyanate in 3D
Drag to rotate the molecule (MIC, CH₃–N=C=O) responsible for the 1984 Bhopal disaster. Notice the linear N=C=O backbone — two cumulated double bonds — and the methyl carbon that makes it react so violently with water.
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MoleculeMethyl isocyanate (MIC)
FormulaC₂H₃NO · CH₃–N=C=O
Functional groupisocyanate –N=C=O
Boiling point≈ 39 °C
Notereacts violently (exothermically) with water
This is the same compound described in our article on the Bhopal disaster. The three-dimensional shape helps explain its danger: the exposed –N=C=O group is extremely reactive, and the molecule is small and volatile enough to spread as a heavy gas.
Want to compare it with other molecules? Open the full 3D molecules viewer to explore water, ethanol, isomers and more.
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