Product Name: 2,6-Xylenol
Synonyms: 2,6-Dimethylphenol; 2-Hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene
CAS Number: 576-26-1
Recommended Use: Intermediate for resins, plasticizers, antioxidants, dyes, and pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer: Listed chemical supplier or manufacturer
Contact Information: Full address, emergency phone, regular phone, and email of supplier
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral), Category 4; Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Category 2; Eye Damage/Irritation, Category 2A
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Warning. Hazard pictograms: Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Wear protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses.
Other Hazards: Repeated or long-term exposure can cause dermatitis or sensitization in some people. Vapors irritating to respiratory tract in high concentrations.
Chemical Name: 2,6-Xylenol
CAS Number: 576-26-1
Concentration: > 99% by weight
Impurities: Traces of other xylenols or phenolic derivatives may be present in technical grades
Molecular Formula: C8H10O
Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or if breathing difficulties occur. Provide oxygen if required by trained personnel.
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing, launder before reuse. Seek medical attention if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for 15–20 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Remove contact lenses. Consult a physician if pain, blinking, or redness continues.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Rinse mouth with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical advice/attention right away.
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, monitoring for potential respiratory, dermal, and central nervous system issues.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), or water spray (fog). Use water spray to cool containers exposed to fire.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may cause splattering or spread fire.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO, CO2), toxic fumes, irritant phenolic vapors.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need to wear full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Specific Hazards: Product is combustible. Vapors heavier than air, may travel and ignite at distant points. Containers can explode in heat or fire.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Eliminate ignition sources. Wear appropriate protective equipment (respirator, gloves, goggles).
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, surface or groundwater. Inform relevant authorities in case of spillage.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb on inert material (sand, earth). Place in chemical waste container for disposal. Ventilate area to remove vapors. Wash area after material pick-up is complete.
Reference to Other Sections: Consult sections on handling, storage, and personal protection.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated area. Avoid inhalation, skin, or eye contact. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke during handling.
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep containers tightly sealed. Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, alkalies, and sources of ignition. Product absorbs moisture and may be corrosive to metals.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, acid chlorides, anhydrides, peroxides, and metals such as aluminum and zinc.
Packaging Materials: Use containers made of compatible materials, such as high-density polyethylene or glass.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits for 2,6-Xylenol; typical workplace threshold value for similar phenols ~2 ppm (skin).
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation to control airborne levels. Provide emergency eyewash and shower.
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical safety goggles, lab coats, and if available appropriate respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved) during high vapor risk.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent discharge into the environment, especially waterways.
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Phenolic, medicinal
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable (solid form)
Melting Point: 110–112°C
Boiling Point: 205–207°C
Flash Point: 86°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: No data
Flammability: Combustible solid
Explosion Limits: No data
Vapor Pressure: 0.07 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4.21 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.03 g/cm³ (20°C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and ether
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 2.2
Auto-ignition Temperature: 562°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid state)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizers, strong acids, acid chlorides, and acid anhydrides.
Hazardous Reactions: Can cause polymerization or produce toxic vapors if mixed with incompatible materials.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, ignition sources, moisture, contact with incompatible chemicals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic compounds, toxic fumes.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) ~830 mg/kg. Skin and respiratory irritant.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may result in dermatitis, sensitization, and liver/kidney effects.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
Symptoms: Burning, redness, pain at contact sites; headache or dizziness if inhaled in large quantities.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No strong evidence from available studies.
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence for reproductive harm from studies on 2,6-xylenol.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms. EC50 (daphnia): 6.7 mg/L (48 hr); LC50 (fish): 20 mg/L (96 hr).
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, can degrade slowly via natural processes.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Some potential, log Pow 2.2 suggests moderate risk.
Mobility in Soil: Low-to-moderate, depending on conditions.
Other Adverse Effects: Can contribute to oxygen depletion or eutrophication in water bodies at high concentrations.
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through a licensed chemical waste contractor. Incineration recommended if compliant with local, state, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse containers, then dispose/recycle according to regulations.
Precautions: Do not release undiluted product to sewers or environment. Avoid landfill disposal if possible.
UN Number: 2430
UN Proper Shipping Name: 2,6-Xylenol
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from heat and moisture. Secure load to prevent shifting. Follow all regulations for hazardous material shipping.
TSCA Status: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered substance
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance; check for community right-to-know requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Handle in accordance with all local, regional, and international regulations regarding chemicals
