Product Identification

Product Name

Xylene

Synonyms

Dimethylbenzene
Methyltoluene
Xylenes, mixed

CAS

1330-20-7

Formula

C8H10

Molecular Weight

106.17

EINECS

215-535-7

RTECS

ZE2100000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,10214

Beilstein/Gmelin

1901563

Beilstein Reference

4-05-00-00951

EC Index Number

601-022-00-9

EC Class

Flammable; Harmful; Irritant

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

> -34

Boiling Point

140

Vapor Pressure

8

Density

1.096 g/cm3

Partition Coefficient

3.12-3.20

Usage

Aviation gasoline; protective coatings; solvent for alkylated resins, lacquers, enamels, rubber cements; synthesis of organic chemicals.

Vapor Density

4.5

Saturation Concentration

Variable - approximately 7900-8550 ppm (0.79-0.86%) at 20 C (calculated)

Odor threshold

4.5 mg/m3

Refractive Index

1.50 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Possible aspiration hazard. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

Skin

Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Discard contaminated clothing in a manner which limits further exposure.

Eyes

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Inhalation of vapor may cause respiratory tract irritation. Prolonged exposure may result in dizziness and general weakness. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.

Skin

Exposure may cause irritation characterized by redness, dryness, and inflammation. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis.

Eyes

Causes severe eye irritation.

Ingestion

May cause central nervous system depression, kidney damage, and liver damage. Symptoms may include: headache, excitement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stupor, and coma. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.

Hazards

Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

EC Risk Phrase

R 10 20/21 38

EC Safety Phrase

S 25

UN (DOT)

1307

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Chronic exposure to organic solvents has been associated with various neurotoxic effects including permanent brain and nervous system damage.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

25

Autoignition

465

Fire Fighting

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Upper exp. limit

7.5

Lower exp. limit

1.7

Fire Potential

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Remove all sources of ignition. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Water spray may reduce vapor but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

1

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Incompatibilities

Strong acids, strong oxidizers and 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidindione (dichlorohydrantoin). Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1307

Hazard Class

3

Packing Group

II; III

HS Code

2902 44 00