Looking Closely at 1,4-Benzenedimethanol: Material Safety Data Commentary

Identification

Chemical name: 1,4-Benzenedimethanol
Synonyms: p-Xylyleneglycol, 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene
Chemical formula: C8H10O2
CAS number: 100-14-1
Appearance: White, crystalline solid with no strong odor
Molecular weight: 138.17 g/mol

Hazard Identification

Hazard statements: Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Dust may trigger sensitization or irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation of significant amounts may result in headaches or dizziness. Ingestion at higher concentrations could cause discomfort in the digestive tract.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritation
Signal word: Warning
Routes of entry: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute health effects: Eyes may water and redden; skin can itch; lungs might feel scratchy in dusty areas.
Chronic health effects: Repeated exposure could lead to dermatitis in some individuals, especially those with existing skin conditions.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: 1,4-Benzenedimethanol
Concentration: Pure substance; typically above 99%
Impurities: Minor trace organic impurities may come along with commercial batches, but usually present below 1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If cough or irritation persists, seek medical attention. Breathing difficulty isn’t common at small exposures, but stay alert.
Skin contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If redness or irritation develops, find medical advice.
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with gentle, flowing water for at least fifteen minutes. Avoid rubbing. If pain or blurred vision continues, get a professional opinion.
Ingestion: Swallowing small quantities rarely leads to lasting harm, but it’s wise to rinse the mouth with water. Large amounts or persistent symptoms call for medical observation. Never force vomiting unless directed.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂ or water spray for small fires. Larger fires in storage areas benefit from water fog.
Hazardous combustion products: Burning creates carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases.
Special protective equipment: Firefighters handling chemical fires need standard gear including respiratory protection, as fumes in enclosed spaces pile up fast.
Flammability: Not particularly flammable, yet fine dust may form combustible clouds if handled in bulk.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Use gloves, safety glasses, and fitted dust masks. Avoid stirring up dust. Work with adequate ventilation.
Environmental precautions: Keep out of open drains or water bodies—dissolves slowly but isn’t immediately hazardous in most environments.
Methods for cleaning up: Sweep up spilled crystals or dust, place in labeled waste containers. Wipe area with damp cloth to catch residues.

Handling and Storage

Handling guidance: Work away from open flames or sources of static discharge. Keep containers closed to avoid moisture uptake or contamination. Good chemical hygiene matters—a little care with dust and splashes saves headaches down the line.
Safe storage: Store in cool, dry locations in tightly sealed containers. Keep away from food and animal feed areas. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits. Prudent workplaces monitor air for nuisance dust when handling bulk material.
Engineering controls: Local exhaust or general dilution ventilation tackles dust. Closed handling systems add extra margin.
Personal protection: Eye protection—goggles or glasses. Nitrile or other chemical-resistant gloves make cleanup easier. Dust mask or particulate respirator during large-scale operations or if airborne dust is present. Clean, protective clothing limits skin contact.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystals
Odor: Odorless or very faintly sweet
Melting point: Around 139–141°C
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in polar organic solvents like alcohols
Vapor pressure: Low, essentially negligible under normal conditions
Density: Around 1.16–1.18 g/cm³
Other: Nearly non-volatile at room temperature, not prone to sublimation.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Generally stable at room temperature and pressure.
Conditions to avoid: Heating above melting point for extended periods, exposure to strong oxidizing agents, and static discharge in dusty settings.
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Hazardous decomposition products: Carbon oxides on combustion or decomposition.

Toxicological Information

Acute effects: Swallowing moderate to large amounts might lead to nausea or digestive discomfort, though the chemical ranks as low toxicity in animal studies.
Chronic effects: No strong evidence for chronic harm, yet repeated exposure to dust can worsen existing respiratory or skin issues.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a suspected carcinogen.
Other risks: Evidence does not point to reproductive toxicity or genetic damage in available studies.

Ecological Information

Aquatic toxicity: Limited data points to low toxicity for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Any chemical spill should still be avoided, as ecosystem impacts pile up over time.
Persistence and degradability: Molecule breaks down slowly in soil and water, particularly under microbial action. It moves only a short distance in soil, lowering groundwater contamination risk.
Bioaccumulation: Not prone to pile up in tissues or food webs based on known properties.
Other notes: Standard practice is to avoid unnecessary environmental releases, even for low-risk chemicals.

Disposal Considerations

Waste management: Leftover product or spilled material should go into properly labeled chemical waste containers. Disposal through local, licensed facilities for hazardous or industrial chemical waste prevents surprises for municipal treatment systems.
Recycling or recovery: Where possible, use leftover product for original purpose or reclaim through chemical recycling.

Transport Information

UN number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under typical regulations
Proper shipping name: 1,4-Benzenedimethanol
Packing group: Not assigned. Non-dangerous for road, rail, or sea shipment at standard quantities.
Special precautions: Use sealed packaging, avoid rough handling to prevent dust release.

Regulatory Information

Label requirements: Chemical name, hazard pictograms, and safety phrases in compliance with GHS
Inventory status: Listed on main chemical inventories such as TSCA (US), REACH (Europe), DSL (Canada), and similar systems
Other requirements: Employers ought to maintain appropriate documentation and training for safe work with chemicals, even lower-risk ones like 1,4-benzenedimethanol, as a practical step for worker health and environmental protection.