Understanding the Material Safety Data Sheet for 4-Methylbenzyl Chloride

Identification

Name: 4-Methylbenzyl Chloride
Chemical Formula: C8H9Cl
Synonyms: p-Methylbenzyl chloride, 1-chloro-4-methylbenzene
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, irritating, typical of chlorinated aromatics
Uses: Intermediate in organic synthesis, used in production of certain pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and resins
CAS Number: 104-82-5

Hazard Identification

Classification: Harmful if inhaled or ingested, causes skin and serious eye irritation, suspected of causing cancer
Acute Hazards: Respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system effects, damage to mucous membranes
Chronic Hazards: Prolonged exposure links to carcinogenicity and liver or kidney dysfunction
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Corrosion, health hazard, exclamation mark
Main Risks: Contact may result in burns or dermatitis, inhalation potentially leads to pulmonary irritation, environmental exposure harms aquatic life

Composition / Information on Ingredients

4-Methylbenzyl Chloride: 98% or higher
Impurities: Typically unreacted p-xylene, minor amounts of byproducts from chlorination process
Physical State: Liquid at ambient conditions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing if necessary, seek medical attention for any breathing difficulties
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin thoroughly with water, wash with soap
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, consult eye doctor
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water if person is conscious, obtain urgent medical care
Notes to Physician: Treatment should focus on symptomatic relief and prevent secondary complications from chemical burns or respiratory impairment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Media: Avoid water streams; product may spread fire on water's surface
Combustion Products: Produces toxic gases including hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and possibly aromatic hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit
Fire Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, collect in low lying areas, risk of flashback possible near ignition sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Don chemically resistant gloves and goggles, use respirator in poorly ventilated areas
Spill Control: Evacuate area except trained personnel, stop leak if safe, contain spill with inert absorbent
Decontamination: Clean surface thoroughly, prevent entry into drains or sewers, ventilate residual vapor

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in a chemical fume hood, avoid inhaling vapors, prevent skin or eye contact
Storage: Store in cool, well-ventilated place, keep tightly closed in original container, separate from oxidizing agents and acids
Avoid: Direct sunlight, heat sources, incompatible substances

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, limit exposure with high-efficiency ventilation
Engineering Controls: Closed systems or local exhaust, eyewash and safety shower nearby
PPE: Impervious gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash goggles, protective clothing, respirator for concentrated vapor or accidental release

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent
Boiling Point: About 204°C
Melting Point: Below 0°C
Flash Point: 85°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Density: Around 1.08 g/cm³
Refractive Index: Near 1.545

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under most storage conditions
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, strong oxidizers, active metals
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts vigorously with alkali metals, evolution of hydrogen chloride gas with water contact
Decomposition: Generates toxic fumes during combustion or high temperature decomposition

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Respiratory tract, gastrointestinal irritation, corrosive to eyes and skin, headaches, dizziness
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure suspected of carcinogenicity, potential liver or kidney function impairment
LD50 (oral, rat): Not widely published; related benzyl derivatives range from 1,600–4,000 mg/kg
Irritation: Marked skin and mucous membrane irritation on contact in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: Classified under IARC Category 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), based on structural similarity to known carcinogens

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Risk of persistence in soil, volatility to atmosphere, does not break down readily
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, may cause long-term adverse effects in freshwater and marine environments
Mobility: Adsorbs to soil, risk of transport by water runoff
Bioaccumulation: Potential for moderate accumulation in organisms; breakdown products also pose risk

Disposal Considerations

Disposal: Incinerate at licensed chemicals facility, do not release to environment, comply with local hazardous waste regulations
Container Disposal: Decontaminate and dispose according to approved commercial wastes protocols
Do Not Discharge: Directly into drains, surface water, or soil

Transport Information

Classification: Regulated for transport, classed as hazardous material in most jurisdictions
Shipping Name: 4-Methylbenzyl Chloride
Packing Group: III (for many regulatory systems due to moderate hazard)
Label Requirements: Corrosive, toxic
Special Precautions: Secure tightly, keep upright, protect from physical damage during transit

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Listed on major chemical inventories including TSCA, EINECS, and DSL
Hazard Class: Classifies under several occupational safety and health acts
Labeling: Requires hazard and precautionary statements per GHS
Workplace Control: Use restricted to trained professionals in permitted facilities, subject to monitoring and reporting as hazardous air pollutant in some regions