Chemical Name: M-Methylbenzyl Chloride
Synonyms: 3-Methylbenzyl chloride, alpha-Chloro-m-cresylmethane
CAS Number: 620-20-2
Recommended Use: Organic synthesis, chemical intermediate
Restrictions on Use: Commercial, laboratory use only; not intended for consumer applications
Supplier: Contact relevant chemical supplier or manufacturer
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local or regional chemical safety emergency contacts
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin corrosion/irritation, Serious eye damage/irritation, Specific target organ toxicity after single exposure
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, corrosive
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection, avoid breathing vapors, wash thoroughly after handling, use outdoors or in well-ventilated area, do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, blistering, stomach pain, vomiting
Main Ingredient: M-Methylbenzyl Chloride
Concentration: ≥99%
Impurities: Trace hydrocarbons, mono- and di-chlorotoluenes (ranges differ by lot)
Molecular Formula: C8H9Cl
Molecular Weight: 140.61 g/mol
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, monitor breathing; seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, use soap if available, obtain medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, urgently call medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, get professional medical care immediately
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Severe irritation or chemical burns, respiratory distress, lasting damage to eyes, delayed effects on organs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray, alcohol-resistant foam
Specific Hazards Arising from Incident: Releases toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride, chlorine, and carbon monoxide on combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full chemical suit, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Fight fire from upwind position, prevent run-off to drains and waterways, cool containers exposed to flames with water spray
Personal Precautions: Isolate spill area, ventilate, wear appropriate respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering soil, waterways, drains, notify relevant authorities if discharge occurs
Containment Methods: Dike spill using non-combustible materials (e.g., sand, earth), avoid water contact with spill
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb residue with inert materials, place in chemical waste container, flush contaminated area with water, ventilate until fumes dissipate
Safe Handling: Avoid inhalation of vapors, wear all recommended PPE, use only in fume hood or well-ventilated space, open containers with caution, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers, cool dry well-ventilated area, separate from oxidizing agents, acids, and bases
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, water reactive substances, strong acids
Storage Life: Stable under recommended conditions; monitor for discoloration or container pressure
Occupational Exposure Limits: Consult specific country or region for established limits; ACGIH has not set TLV, workplace air monitoring is advised
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, emergency eye wash and shower in close proximity
Personal Protective Equipment: Butyl rubber or nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, full face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or apron, suitable respirator when vapor generation likely
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, sharp, chlorinated aromatic smell
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting Point/Range: -36°C
Boiling Point/Range: 210°C
Flash Point: 96°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: 0.25 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4.9 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.08 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Slight; forms hydrochloric acid on hydrolysis
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated 3.25
Auto-ignition Temperature: 510°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage, sensitive to strong acids, bases, moisture
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, sources of ignition, contact with moisture, oxidizing materials, strong acids, alkalis
Incompatible Materials: Alkali metals, strong oxidizing agents, water, strong acids, amines
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, chlorine gas, phosgene under extreme thermal decomposition
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 800 mg/kg; dermal LD50 (rabbit): not established; inhalation LC50 (rat): not established
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe irritation, blistering, chemical burns
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irreversible damage
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified, vapors strongly irritate airways
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not fully evaluated
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: Data lacking for direct reproductive effects
STOT – Single Exposure: Possible central nervous system and respiratory effects
STOT – Repeated Exposure: Chronic exposure can irritate lungs, affect skin, liver, kidneys
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified, but viscous liquid may pose risk in cases of ingestion
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, risk of acute and chronic effects in fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable, hydrolyzes slowly in water to benzylic alcohols and hydrochloric acid
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential for accumulation in aquatic organisms due to high log Kow value
Mobility in Soil: Moderate due to partial solubility; may volatize from soil or water surfaces
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to hazardous conditions for aquatic and terrestrial life, may result in local ecosystem disruption
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste per federal, state, and local regulations, incineration in approved facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, deliver to licensed drum reconditioner or hazardous waste handler
Special Precautions: Consult environmental authorities if unsure, prevent release to environment
Disposal Code: Use EPA waste code for chlorinated organic compounds
UN Number: 3243
UN Proper Shipping Name: BENZYL CHLORIDES
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Toxic, corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers tightly, transport with chemical compatibility in mind, emergency spill measures available during transport
Regulatory References: ADR, RID, IATA, IMDG, DOT – refer to latest updates
US Federal Regulation: Listed on TSCA inventory, SARA 313; CERCLA reportable, subject to Clean Water Act discharge notification
EU Regulation: Classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP/GHS); subject to REACH registration
Canada: Listed on DSL/NDSL, WHMIS classification D1B and D2B
Australia: Listed in AICS, Schedule 6 poison
Other International: Observe regulatory mandates and restrictions from relevant health, environment, and transport agencies in local regions
