Chemical Name: 2,3-Xylenol
Synonyms: 2,3-Dimethylphenol, o-Xylenol
CAS Number: 526-75-0
Recommended Use: Used as a chemical intermediate, solvent, and in resins manufacturing
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency telephone numbers and supplier addresses provided on product packaging or distributor sheets
Product Code: Refer to supplier details
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 4), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 2), Serious Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure (Category 3, Narcotic Effects)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames and hot surfaces. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Wash hands after handling. Avoid breathing vapors. Use only in well-ventilated areas.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Chemical Name: 2,3-Xylenol
Concentration: 99% or greater in pure grade
CAS Number: 526-75-0
Impurities: Trace amounts of other xylenols, water, phenolic compounds
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air at once. Maintain open airway. Seek medical attention if symptoms like headache, dizziness, or confusion occur.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical help if irritation or burns appear.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids often. Remove contact lenses if present. Get prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Call poison center or doctor immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Acute Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, skin irritation, eye irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, water spray.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets can spread burning liquid.
Special Hazards: Flammable vapors form explosive mixtures with air. Combustion produces toxic fumes of carbon oxides and possibly phenolic compounds.
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighter Advice: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray. Move containers away from fire area if safe.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and apron. Ensure good ventilation. Avoid inhalation or skin contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from entering drains, soil, or water sources. Alert local authorities in case of significant discharge.
Containment and Cleanup: Contain leakage with non-combustible absorbents like sand or vermiculite. Scoop up and seal in labeled containers for disposal.
Further Measures: Wash contaminated surface with water and detergent, prevent runoff into sewers.
Safe Handling: Use only with proper ventilation. Keep away from ignition sources—no smoking. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not breathe vapors.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly-closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like oxidizing agents and acids.
Special Considerations: Containers can become hazardous when heated. Ground all equipment to prevent static discharge during transfer.
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV. Monitor vapor levels in absence of regulatory limits.
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or process enclosures. Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), splash-proof goggles, long-sleeve clothing, closed-toe shoes.
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapor cartridge, especially at higher aerosol or vapor concentrations.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Wash hands and face after handling. Remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area.
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Characteristic phenolic, tar-like odor
Molecular Formula: C8H10O
Molecular Weight: 122.17 g/mol
Boiling Point: 203–205 °C
Melting Point: 29–30 °C
Flash Point: 81 °C (closed cup)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 525 °C
Explosion Limits: Lower 1.4%, Upper 7.6% (estimated)
Vapor Pressure: 0.12 mmHg at 25 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Density: 1.03 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizers, can react with acids or bases
Hazardous Decomposition: Phenolic fumes, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, open ignition sources, direct sunlight
Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended use conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral rat LD50 about 1210 mg/kg, may cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation, possible burns with prolonged or repeated exposure
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation, tearing, redness, and pain
Respiratory Sensitization: Vapors may cause irritation of nose, throat, and respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact can lead to dermatitis; repeated inhalation may affect the liver or nervous system
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Data: No reports of reproductive or mutagenic effects in available studies
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, acute EC50 (Daphnia) about 2 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but high concentrations may persist and accumulate
Bioaccumulation: Potential for moderate bioaccumulation in fish and aquatic species
Mobility: Low mobility in soil; potential leaching to groundwater if released in large quantities
Other Adverse Effects: Toxic to algae and aquatic invertebrates. Avoid uncontrolled release to environment.
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in chemical incinerator equipped with scrubber. Consult local, regional, or national regulations for disposal.
Container Disposal: Rinse drums with suitable solvent, triple rinse, and dispose at licensed facility.
Recommendations: Do not dump into drains, sewers, or water courses. Use certified waste contractor.
UN Number: UN 2810
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. (contains 2,3-Xylenol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling and Markings: Toxic, Keep Away From Heat
Special Precautions: Transport in upright, tightly sealed containers. Protect from physical damage and ensure proper labeling.
OSHA Status: Hazardous per OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Listed under Section 311/312 (Acute and Chronic Health Hazard), not EPCRA Section 313
TSCA Inventory: Listed
California Proposition 65: Not listed
International Regulations: Listed on Canadian DSL, European EINECS (208-548-2), and other major chemical inventories
Workplace Restrictions: See local state and federal workplace controls, environmental regulations, and labeling requirements.
