Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for 4-Chlorotoluene

1. Identification

Product Name: 4-Chlorotoluene
Synonyms: p-Chlorotoluene, 1-Chloro-4-methylbenzene
Chemical Formula: C7H7Cl
CAS Number: 106-43-4
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, solvent
Manufacturer/Supplier: Industrial chemical manufacturers and distributors
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Center or supplier’s emergency line

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Harmful if inhaled or swallowed, skin and eye irritant, flammable liquid
Hazard Statements: Causes irritation to eyes and skin, may cause lung irritation or headaches if inhaled; moderately toxic if ingested; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat or sparks, wear gloves and eye protection, avoid breathing vapor
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 4-Chlorotoluene
Common Name/Synonyms: p-Chlorotoluene
Concentration: >99% purity
Impurities: Usually less than 1%; may include trace organochlorides
UN Number: UN2238

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop; provide artificial respiration if breathing stops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help for persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; call for medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical staff; seek immediate medical attention
Symptoms: Irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, respiratory tract discomfort

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion emits toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride and phosgene above 230°C; vapors can travel to ignition sources
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Stay upwind; use water spray to cool containers; avoid breathing combustion vapors
Flash Point: About 47°C (closed cup)
Explosion Risk: Forms flammable/explosive vapor-air mixtures

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, avoid inhalation and contact; ventilate area
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, respiratory protection
Environmental Measures: Prevent liquid from entering waterways and soil, contain runoff
Cleaning Up: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth); collect in secure, labeled container for disposal; flush area with water only after all residue has been collected

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation; ground all equipment; avoid sources of ignition
Avoid: Inhalation, eye and skin contact
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers; keep in cool, dry, ventilated area away from heat, oxidizers, acids
Packaging Materials: Glass, stainless steel, or properly lined metal drums

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV set; recommended threshold value: limit exposure as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation, fume hoods; explosion-proof electrical equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves; safety goggles or face shield; flame-resistant clothing; respiratory protection when vapor/mist may be present
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, replace contaminated clothing, keep emergency showers and eyewash stations nearby

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Aromatic, faintly sweet
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable (neutral organic compound)
Melting Point: -23°C
Boiling Point: 162°C
Flash Point: ~47°C
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 5 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4 (air=1)
Relative Density: 1.10 (water=1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Kow ≈ 3.8
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 530°C
Decomposition Temperature: >230°C
Viscosity: Not determined

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and handling
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers; decomposes at high temperatures
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon monoxide under fire
Polymerization: Does not occur under usual conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 3170 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): estimated >5000 mg/kg; may irritate respiratory and digestive tracts
Skin Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation on contact
Eye Irritation: Moderate irritant
Sensitization: Not established as a sensitizer
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may irritate skin or respiratory system, possible effects on liver or kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Data: No mutagenic or reproductive toxicity studies found

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms; EC50 (Daphnia magna): 6 mg/L (48h)
Persistence/Degradability: Biodegrades slowly; classed as a potential environmental hazard
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation due to log Kow of 3.8
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility; likely to bind to soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: Can cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments if released in quantity

13. Disposal Considerations

Dispose Method: Incinerate at approved facility or use licensed chemical waste disposal; do not dump in sewers
Sewage Disposal: Prevent entry to water systems and natural bodies
Container Disposal: Empty containers may contain residue; triple rinse and send to licensed drum reclaimer
Waste Code: U-codes (EPA), consult local regulations

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN2238
Proper Shipping Name: 4-Chlorotoluene
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable liquid
Special Transport Precautions: Secure drums, avoid rough handling, keep away from incompatible substances and ignition sources

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Status: Listed on US TSCA inventory
SARA: Not listed as Extremely Hazardous, but reportable threshold exists
DSL (Canada): Included
REACH (EU): Subject to registration
Other: Check local, state, national regulations for worker safety, spill reporting, and air emissions
Label Elements: GHS-compliant, including flame and exclamation mark pictograms