Boxa Chemical Group Ltd
Knowledge

Material Safety Data Sheet: 2,4-Xylenol

Identification

Chemical Name: 2,4-Xylenol
CAS Number: 105-67-9
Other Names: 2,4-Dimethylphenol
Recommended Use: Intermediate for chemical synthesis, disinfectant formulations, solvent applications
Supplier Information: Details provided by manufacturer on the label
Emergency Number: Refer to local regulations and manufacturer instructions for immediate help

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Category 4, oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 2), Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation (Category 2), Chronic Aquatic Toxicity (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin, causes skin and eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Handle in well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust or vapor, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, prevent release into environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: 2,4-Xylenol
Concentration: ≥ 99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of other xylenol isomers (<1%), organic residues (<0.5%)
Molecular Formula: C8H10O
Molecular Weight: 122.17 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop, provide artificial respiration if breathing stops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with water for at least 15 minutes, use soap to ensure decontamination, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, continue irrigation, get medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek emergency medical assistance promptly, never give anything by mouth if person is unconscious

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Flammable, vapor can form explosive mixtures with air
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water fog, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; avoid direct water jet on liquid pools
Unsuitable Media: Avoid water streams that might spread the liquid
Special Hazards: Releases toxic fumes under combustion, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, risk of explosive vapor-air mixtures above flash point
Protective Equipment for Fire-Fighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full chemical protective clothing, use firefighting teams trained for hazardous materials

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Evacuate area, ventilate, wear chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and eye protection, avoid breathing vapors, contain spill with inert absorbent (sand or earth), collect residue in containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains, or soil, alert environmental authorities if major spill occurs
Clean-Up Methods: Isolate and absorb liquid with sand, clay, or vermiculite, place in clearly marked waste containers, clean contaminated area with water and detergent, do not mix with other waste materials

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear suitable protective gear, only handle in areas with proper ventilation, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, do not breathe vapor or put product near open flames or ignition sources, keep work area clean of spills
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents and acids, protect from sunlight and sources of ignition, label containers with hazard warnings, maintain spill containment practices for stored material

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: not established, ACGIH TLV: 5 ppm (as phenol), consult local regulations for occupational exposure standards
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and general ventilation, provide eyewash stations and emergency showers, design workplace layout to minimize contact
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, chemical apron or protective laboratory coat, use respiratory protection with organic vapor cartridges for high vapor concentrations, do not eat, drink or smoke during handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to light yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Phenolic, sharp
Odor Threshold: Not established for 2,4-xylenol, similar to phenol thresholds
pH: Slightly acidic in solution
Melting Point: 26–29 °C
Boiling Point: 210–215 °C
Flash Point: 86 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than water
Flammability: Flammable solid
Vapor Pressure: 0.08 mmHg at 25 °C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Solubility: Low in water, good in organic solvents (ethanol, ether)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.20–2.50
Autoignition Temperature: Not easily self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Not precisely measured, decomposes at high heat

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions, avoids moisture and heat
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, produces heat and potentially dangerous products
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, spark, open flame, direct sunlight, high humidity
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and oxidizers, metallic chlorides, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Releases phenolic vapors, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and toxic organic fumes during thermal decomposition or fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1200 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 1500–2000 mg/kg; can be harmful at moderate exposure levels
Sensitization: Not classed as a skin sensitizer, but repeated exposure may increase susceptibility to dermatitis
Skin and Eye Effects: Strong local irritant, redness, blistering, severe irritation possible with prolonged contact
Respiratory Effects: Vapors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, and lung irritation
Chronic Effects: Repeated overexposure might cause adverse effects on liver and kidney function based on limited animal studies; long-term workplace exposure should be avoided
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, EPA, NTP
Other Effects: May cause systemic toxicity if absorbed through skin or ingested, rapid first aid response lowers risk of severe harm

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, fish LC50 (96 h): 13 mg/L (rainbow trout), Daphnia EC50 (48 h): 9 mg/L; high risk to aquatic life if released untreated
Persistence and Degradability: Does not persist in the environment as it degrades via microbial action, but can cause temporary disruption to ecosystems
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate potential, log Kow suggests possible build-up in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to soil organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful effects on algae and plankton, potential to damage wastewater treatment processes

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste according to local, regional, and national regulations, incinerate in approved facility with emissions control
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous waste, containers should be rinsed and destroyed or sent to certified recycler
Special Instructions: Avoid dumping waste in drains or the environment, label for proper hazard classification and chemical identity, complete documentation for transport and disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2430
Proper Shipping Name: 2,4-Xylenol
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substance)
Packing Group: III
Label Required: Toxic, Marine Pollutant as per IMDG
Special Freight Requirements: Avoid load with foodstuffs, keep containers upright and tightly sealed, transport under lock and documented control for emergency information

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: TSCA listed, SARA 313 listed ingredient, subject to hazardous chemical reporting, not classified under CERCLA
EU Regulations: Listed in EINECS (203-321-9), classified as dangerous for the environment, requires safety data sheet under REACH
Other Requirements: Labelling complies with GHS, local health and safety authorities may require workplace air monitoring and hazard communication training, follow national and regional safety provisions strictly