Product Identification

Product Name

Birch-Me

Synonyms

2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester
Methoxybenzoic Acid
Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Sweet birch oil
Wintergreen oil

CAS

119-36-8

Formula

C8H8O3

Molecular Weight

152.15

EINECS

204-317-7

RTECS

VO4725000

RTECS Class

Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,6200

Beilstein/Gmelin

971516

Beilstein Reference

4-10-00-00143

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with odor of wintergreen.

Solubility in water

Slightly soluble

Melting Point

100 - 101

Boiling Point

432

Vapor Pressure

.03

Density

1.1969 g/cm3 (0 C)

pKa/pKb

9.8 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

2.55

Heat Of Vaporization

46.70 kJ/mol

Heat Of Combustion

-3763 kJ/mol

Usage

Oil: in fern and cypress type perfumes & in toothpaste.

Vapor Density

5.24

Refractive Index

1.53434 (12 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Get medical aid immediately. Call a poison control center.

Inhalation

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

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. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion. May cause lung damage.

Skin

Causes moderate skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts.

Eyes

May cause eye irritation.

Ingestion

May cause nausea and vomiting. May be harmful if swallowed. Systemic effects of exposure include initial stimulation and later central nervous system depression. Symptoms include convulsions, respiratory failure, cardiac collapse, and possible death.

EC Risk Phrase

R 22 36/38

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: 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. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

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

May cause liver and kidney damage. Repeated exposure may cause metabolic disturbances.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

96

Autoignition

455

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Vapors may be heavier than air. They can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. Containers may explode when heated. Extinguishing media: Water or foam may cause frothing. Use carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

Upper exp. limit

7.2

Lower exp. limit

1.2

Fire Potential

This chemical is combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, salicyclic acid.