Product Name: 2,5-Xylenol
Chemical Name: 2,5-Dimethylphenol
Synonyms: 2,5-Dimethylphenol, 2,5-Xylenol
CAS Number: 95-87-4
EC Number: 202-448-4
Recommended Uses: Used in organic synthesis, chemical research, intermediates for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, production of antioxidants, plasticizers, and specialty inks.
Restrictions on Use: Suitable only for industrial, laboratory, and research settings; not for food, drug, or household use.
Supplier Information: Manufacturer or distributor details with emergency contact number should be available on label or shipment documents.
Classification: Flammable liquid, Acute Toxicity Category 4 (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Damage Category 1, Acute Aquatic Toxicity Category 2
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; Toxic to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark, Corrosion, Environmental Hazard
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; Use explosion-proof equipment; Avoid breathing dust, mist, or vapors; Wear eye and face protection; Avoid release to the environment; Wash thoroughly after handling.
Chemical Identity: 2,5-Xylenol
CAS Number: 95-87-4
Concentration: Typically ≥99%
Impurities: May include trace amounts of other dimethylphenol isomers and organic residues, usually <1%.
Molecular Formula: C8H10O
Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol
General Measures: Remove victim from exposure area; seek medical attention immediately.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration; if breathing is difficult, oxygen may be given by trained personnel. Get medical help right away.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes; wash affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical help if irritation, redness, or burns appear.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 20 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing and get prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate emergency medical help.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively, monitor for respiratory and systemic symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers but avoid direct water jet.
Unsuitable Media: Do not use straight streams of water, which can spread the fire.
Specific Hazards: Can emit toxic fumes (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors) under fire conditions. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Flash point ranges from 79°C to 82°C (174°F to 180°F).
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area; cool tanks and containers with water spray; prevent runoff from fire control entering drains or waterways.
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment: gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant clothing. Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area well.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage—do not let product reach drains, watercourses, or soil.
Containment and Cleaning Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), then place in chemical waste container for proper disposal. Clean contaminated area thoroughly. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete.
Reference to Other Sections: For disposal and personal protection, see respective MSDS sections.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Prevent formation of vapor or mist. Do not ingest or inhale. Avoid sources of ignition.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed, labeled container. Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids.
Incompatibilities: Keep separate from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and bases.
Storage Life: Monitor containers for leaks, corrosion, or compromise. Handle with care to avoid static discharge.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits, but general phenol exposure limits may apply (OSHA PEL for phenol: 5 ppm as TWA).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood to minimize exposure. Maintain eye wash stations and safety showers nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment: Eyes: Splash-proof safety goggles. Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene preferred), lab coat or apron. Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or vapor generation is likely.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Sweet, phenolic
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Approx. 7 (Slightly acidic in solution)
Melting Point: 105–107°C (221–225°F)
Boiling Point: 217°C (423°F)
Flash Point: 79–82°C (174–180°F)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Flammable solid
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not established
Vapor Pressure: 0.02 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 4.2 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.05 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol, ether, and organic solvents.
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 2.38
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 460°C (860°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: Not available
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, though may slowly oxidize upon air exposure.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors, and possibly irritant gases upon combustion.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, static discharge, and sources of ignition; avoid prolonged air exposure.
Polymerization: Not known to undergo hazardous polymerization reactions.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 1210 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 600 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat): Not available.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes burns; may cause permanent damage.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe irritation and possible damage.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: May cause sensitization (allergic reactions) by skin contact.
Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive data.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA.
STOT — Single Exposure: Central nervous system effects possible (headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea).
STOT — Repeated Exposure: Kidney and liver effects reported from high or chronic exposure.
Aspiration Hazard: Aspiration into lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis.
Signs and Symptoms: Burning sensation, cough, shortness of breath, headache, redness, eye pain, and abdominal pain.
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms. EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48 h): ~1–10 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable; can accumulate in the environment.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate; log Kow suggests risk for accumulation in aquatic species.
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, may leach into groundwater.
Additional Notes: Harmful impact on aquatic life even with brief exposure; avoid atmospheric or waterway discharge.
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Incineration in permitted, chemical waste facility recommended.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be triple-rinsed and managed as hazardous waste.
Precautions: Do not dump into sewers, drains, or natural waterways. Consult disposal specialist for specific recommendations.
UN Number: UN 2430
Proper Shipping Name: 2,5-Xylenol
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Label Requirement: Toxic, Flammable
Environmental Hazards: Yes
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from physical damage and secure during transport; keep away from sources of ignition; carrier must be notified of hazards.
US TSCA: Listed
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
EU Regulation (REACH): Registered; subject to specific restrictions and safety evaluation.
SARA Title III: Listed as a hazardous substance, subject to reporting requirements.
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin.
WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), B2 (Flammable liquid)
Other International Regulations: Check applicable national and regional chemical inventories and workplace safety regulations.
