Product Identification

Product Name

2,4,6-Trimethylphenol

Synonyms

1-Hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene
2-Hydroxymesitylene
Benzene, 2-hydroxy-1,3,5-trimethyl
Mesitol
Mesityl alcohol
Phenol, 2,4,6-trimethyl

CAS

527-60-6

Formula

C9H12O

Molecular Weight

136.21

EINECS

208-419-2

RTECS

OX6590000

RTECS Class

Other

Beilstein/Gmelin

1859675

Beilstein Reference

4-06-00-03253

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White to beige, crystalline powder.

Solubility in water

1.01 g/L at 25 C

Melting Point

74

Boiling Point

56 (0.1 torr)

Vapor Pressure

.05

Density

1.046 g/cm3 (20 C)

pKa/pKb

10.88 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

2.73

Usage

Chemical intermediate for poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) & its phosphate ester.

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

Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container. Corrosives area.

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

Causes burns.

Ingestion

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

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

EC Risk Phrase

R 34

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 45

UN (DOT)

1759

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Organic canister mask; face shield; rubber gloves; other protective clothing to prevent contact with skin. In fire conditions, wear goggles and self contained breathing apparatus. Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.

Respirators

Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves to prevent skin exposure.

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

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or chemical foam.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Bases, acid chlorides, oxidizing agents, copper, copper alloys, brass, steel, acid anhydrides.

Stability

No data.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

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

Transport Information

UN Number

1759

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

I; II; III