Material Safety Data Sheet – 4-Chlorotoluene

Identification

Chemical Name: 4-Chlorotoluene
Synonyms: para-Chlorotoluene, 1-Chloro-4-methylbenzene
CAS Number: 106-43-4
UN Number: UN2238
Recommended Use: Intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis
Company Identification: Chemical distributor or manufacturer information, address, and emergency contact phone numbers
Product Type: Liquid, aromatic hydrocarbon compound

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity oral (Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; Causes skin and eye irritation; Harmful if swallowed; May cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause dizziness, headache, or respiratory discomfort. Skin contact can lead to dryness or irritation and possible dermatitis with prolonged exposure. Eye exposure irritates, with redness or watering. Swallowing the chemical brings risk of gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, or drowsiness.
Environmental Effects: Harmful to aquatic life in concentrated form; contamination may have lasting impacts on aquatic organisms and environments due to limited biodegradability.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: 4-Chlorotoluene
Chemical Formula: C₇H₇Cl
Molecular Weight: 126.58 g/mol
Concentration: Pure substance (≥99%)
Impurities: Small amounts of ortho or meta isomers of chlorotoluene may occur, typically below 0.5%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove source of exposure, provide plenty of fresh air, let the affected person rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. If irritation develops or persists, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Get medical advice if irritation or pain continues.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a poison center or doctor if adverse symptoms appear.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray can cool containers but avoid water jets directly on product.
Hazards from Combustion: Releases hazardous gases such as phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and carbon oxides during fire conditions.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant protective clothing for firefighting.
Special Precautions: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. All ignition sources must be removed. Containers exposed to heat may rupture if not adequately cooled from a distance.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and respirator if ventilation inadequate. Evacuate non-essential personnel from spill area.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, sewers, and waterways. Inform authorities of large spills that could contaminate the environment.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb liquid with inert absorbent materials like sand or vermiculite. Sweep up and place in chemical waste drums for disposal. Ventilate area thoroughly and wash spill site after material pickup.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear appropriate protective gear. Use exhaust ventilation or work under a chemical fume hood. Avoid inhaling vapors and direct contact with skin or eyes. No open flames, hot surfaces, sparks, or static discharge sources nearby.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Store separately from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases. Ground all equipment and containers due to flammability risk. Keep away from sunlight, incompatible materials, and sources of ignition.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established, but limit as for similar chlorinated aromatics (consult regulatory guidance).
Engineering Controls: Mechanical exhaust ventilation, enclosed processing equipment, and spill containment systems recommended in processing areas.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles with side protection, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), flame-resistant lab coats, and, where airborne concentrations exceed safe limits, properly fitted organic vapor respirator. Provide eye-wash stations and safety showers nearby.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid
Odor: Sweet, benzene-like aromatic odor
Odor Threshold: Not available
Boiling Point: 162–164°C
Melting Point: −23°C
Flash Point: 45°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Explosive Limits: Lower: 1.2% (V), Upper: 7.0% (V)
Vapor Pressure: 3 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 1.08 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with organic solvents like ether and ethanol
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 3.6
Viscosity: Not available
Autoignition Temperature: 570°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not specified

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Remains stable under standard storage and handling conditions, but volatilizes with heat or open containers.
Risky Conditions: Keep away from sources of ignition, incompatible chemicals, and strong UV light.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkali metals.
Hazardous Decomposition: Burns or thermal breakdown yields toxic gases including hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon monoxide.
Polymerization: Will not undergo hazardous polymerization under recommended use.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat) approx. 1500 mg/kg; Inhalation LC₅₀ (rat/four hours) not fully determined; Dermal LD₅₀ data limited but expected to be moderate.
Irritation: Causes moderate to severe skin and eye irritation in animal studies. Respiratory tract irritation occurs at higher vapor concentrations.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact dries and cracks skin, possible chemical dermatitis. Exposure over months rarely linked to organ damage but may aggravate pre-existing respiratory or skin conditions.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions based on existing literature.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; acute fish LC₅₀ (96h, Pimephales promelas) about 8 mg/L. Chronic effects likely in small aquatic invertebrates with repeated exposure.
Persistence and Degradability: Shows limited and slow biodegradation in soil and water. Remains in environment for extended periods under low microbial activity.
Bioaccumulation: Tendency for moderate bioaccumulation in organisms, log Kow above 3 suggests uptake in aquatic food chains.
Mobility in Soil: Moderately volatile; may leach through soil but binds to organic matter; risk of groundwater contamination exists after large spills.
Other Harmful Effects: Hazardous to aquatic environments even at low concentrations, can affect local water quality and ecosystem health.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect chemical in labeled, sealed containers for hazardous waste disposal. Ideally incinerate at high temperature in compliance with local and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse container thoroughly; supply packaging as hazardous waste.
Environmental Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, soil, or surface water.
Regulatory Recommendations: Adhere to municipal, regional, and national regulations for handling and disposal of chemical wastes and contaminated materials.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2238
Proper Shipping Name: Chlorotoluenes, liquid
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid symbol, environmental hazardous substance if shipped in large quantities
Transport in Bulk: Follow MARPOL 73/78 and IBC code for marine transport
Special Precautions: Containers must be tightly sealed, secured, and protected from physical damage and sources of ignition during shipment. Emergency information must be readily available.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous liquid under flammable liquids category
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EINECS/ELINCS Number: 203-400-5
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Classified as immediate health hazard, delayed health hazard, and fire hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed as carcinogenic or reproductive toxin
Other International Lists: Listed on Australian AICS, Canadian DSL, Japanese ENCS, Korean ECL, and other chemical inventories
Workplace Restrictions: Maintain and regularly update risk management measures, training, and record-keeping in line with current regulations.