Product Identification

Product Name

Benzylchloromethyl ether

Synonyms

Benzyl chloromethyl ether
Benzyloxymethyl chloride
Chloromethyl benzyl ether

CAS

3587-60-8

Formula

C8H9ClO

Molecular Weight

156.61000000000001

Beilstein/Gmelin

1364034

Beilstein Reference

4-06-00-02252

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Yellow-green liquid.

Solubility in water

2.7 g/L (25 C)

Melting Point

-15

Boiling Point

207

Vapor Pressure

0.33 (25 C)

Density

1.126 g/cm3 (20 C)

Partition Coefficient

2.32

Heat Of Vaporization

42.52

Refractive Index

1.5264 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided person is conscious. Call a physician.

Inhalation

If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

Skin

In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and copious amounts of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician.

Eyes

In case of contact with eyes, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Assure adequate flushing by separating the eyelids with fingers. Call a physician.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store at 2 - 8 C. Keep container tightly closed.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Material is irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Toxic if inhaled.

Skin

Causes skin irritation. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin.

Eyes

Causes severe eye irritation.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed.

Hazards

Stabilized and unstabilized benzyl chloride will undergo a rapid, exothermic polymerization reaction above 100 C This reaction occurs at much lower temperatures when species of iron are present. The gases generated during rapid polymerization will result in rapid build-up of dangerous pressure in closed vessels. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. Water hydrolyzes material liberating acidic gas which in contact with metal surfaces can generate flammable and/or explosive hydrogen gas.

EC Risk Phrase

22 23 37/38 41 45 48

EC Safety Phrase

26 39 45 53

UN (DOT)

2810

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Compatible chemical-resistant gloves. Chemical safety goggles. Protective clothing.

Respirators

Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU). Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.

Exposure Effects

Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Inhalation may result in spasm, inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema. Material is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. This product is or contains a component that has been reported to be probably carcinogenic based on its IARC, OSHA, ACGIH, NTP, or EPA classification.

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

91

Fire Fighting

Do not use water. Extinguish with carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder or appropriate foam. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Fire Potential

Combustible liquid.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Absorb on sand or vermiculite and place in closed containers for disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Material is moisture sensitive. Material contains a stabilizer.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents, Strong bases, Iron and iron salts, Aluminum, Brass.

Transport Information

UN Number

2810

Hazard Class

6.1

Packing Group

III