Product Identification

Product Name

2,3,6-Trimethylphenol

Synonyms

3-Hydroxypseudocumene

CAS

2416-94-6

Formula

C9H12O

Molecular Weight

136.19

EINECS

219-330-3

Beilstein/Gmelin

2042207

Beilstein Reference

3-06-00-01831

Physical and Chemical Properties

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

63-64

Boiling Point

226

Vapor Pressure

0.07 (25 C)

Density

1.189 g/cm3 (20 C)

pKa/pKb

10.77 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

2.67

Heat Of Vaporization

47.8 kJ/mol

Usage

Starting material for vitamin e, co-monomer for the modification of polyphenylene oxide resins.

Refractive Index

1.368 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Dilution - may enhance absorption of phenol, and should be avoided. Ipecac induced vomiting is not recommended because of the potential for cns depression and seizures. Activated charcoal - may limit systemic toxicity if administered soon after ingestion, but may interfere with endoscopic evaluation of gastrointestinal burns.

Inhalation

Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.

Skin

Remove phenol with undiluted polyethylene glycol 300 to 400 or isopropyl alcohol prior to washing, if readily available. Wash exposed areas twice with large quantities of water. A physician may need to examine the exposed area if irritation or pain persist after the area is washed.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Tachypnea is commonly reported; pulmonary edema and bronchospasm may also occur. Stridor has been reported from exposure to high concentrations of phenol. Respiratory arrest occurred 30 minutes post ingestion of 26.7 Grams of phenol in one case.

Skin

Phenol is corrosive to the skin, but because of anesthetic qualities, it will numb rather than causing a burning pain on contact. Skin becomes red and swollen, then white and opaque. Deep burns result that may become gangrenous.

Eyes

See Inhalation.

Ingestion

Phenol is extremely corrosive and may cause oral and esophageal burns and abdominal pain following ingestion.

Hazards

When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors, and sewers explosion hazards.

UN (DOT)

2430

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Exposure Effects

Abnormally low blood pressure, reduced body temperature, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate may develop with severe toxicity. Initial CNS excitation, including seizures, is commonly followed by CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma and death. Fetotoxicity and skeletal abnormalities have been reported in animal experiments.

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

100

Fire Fighting

Small Fires: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water spray. Large Fires: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

Fire Potential

Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

ELIMINATE all ignition sources. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

No data.

Combustion Products

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

Transport Information

UN Number

2430

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

I; II; III