Methylisothiazolinone

Methylisothiazolinone, MIT, or MI, is the organic compound with the formula S(CH)2C(O)NCH3. It is a white solid. Isothiazolinones, a class of heterocycles, are used as biocides in numerous personal care products and other industrial applications. MIT and related compounds have attracted much attention for their allergenic properties, e.g. contact dermatitis.
It is prepared by cyclization of "cis"-N-methyl-3-thiocyanoacrylamide:
Safety.
MIT is allergenic and cytotoxic, and this has led to some concern over its use. It has attracted concern in the U.S. and in Europe.
Methylisothiazolinone may cause respiratory irritation, skin sensitivities (including dermatitis), skin burns and eye damage according to peer-reviewed research and data from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported as part of the Environmental Working Group’s ‘Guide to Healthy Cleaning’. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named Methylisothiazolinone “allergen of the year” in 2013.