Chemical Name: 2-Methylresorcinol
Synonyms: 2-Methyl-1,3-benzenediol, 2-Methylresorcin, 3-Hydroxy-o-cresol
CAS Number: 608-25-3
Recommended Uses: Hair dye formulations, organic synthesis intermediate
Supplier: Chemical supply companies, research laboratories
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency telephone numbers, poison control centers, transportation hotlines
Address: Supplier-specific, see product label
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity oral Category 4, Eye irritation Category 2A, Skin irritation Category 2
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol (exclamation mark), hazard statements for skin/eye/ingestion risks
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, eye protection, avoid breathing dust, wash thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: May cause irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes; harmful if aspirated or ingested; repeated or prolonged exposure may cause skin disorders
Other Hazards: Not otherwise classified; not known to be carcinogenic but chronic contact could worsen preexisting skin conditions
Chemical Identity: 2-Methylresorcinol
Common Name: 2-Methylresorcinol
Concentration: 98% or higher
Impurities: Typically less than 2%, unspecified nonhazardous impurities
Molecular Formula: C7H8O2
Molecular Weight: 124.14 g/mol
Identifiers: EINECS: 210-154-4
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with lukewarm water thoroughly for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; seek medical help if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected skin area immediately with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; keep comfortable for breathing; seek medical care if cough or respiratory symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel; seek medical aid promptly
Most Important Symptoms: Eye redness, skin rash, sore throat, headache, stomach ache
Notes to Physician: Provide symptomatic treatment and support; specific antidote not available
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets
Specific Hazards: Combustion can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possible toxic phenolic vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full firefighting gear
Firefighting Procedures: Approach fire from upwind; avoid inhalation of fumes; cool unopened containers exposed to fire with water spray
Special Remarks: May emit irritating or toxic fumes under fire conditions; avoid direct runoff into sewers and waterways
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, clothing, safety goggles, and dust respirator; ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways, soil, and drains; notify authorities in case of large spills
Containment Methods: Use inert absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite); collect spills immediately
Clean-Up Procedure: Sweep or scoop up material; transfer to sealed container for proper disposal; clean surfaces thoroughly with water and detergent
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel from affected area; mark and isolate the spill site
Safe Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area; use tools and equipment that do not spark; avoid dust formation; wash hands thoroughly after use
Avoid: Contact with eyes, skin, prolonged inhalation; incompatible substances (strong oxidizing agents, strong bases)
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; store separately from food and incompatible chemicals
Packaging Materials: Use containers made of chemical-resistant materials such as HDPE, glass, or stainless steel
Other Requirements: Label containers clearly with hazards and contents; keep away from heat and sources of ignition
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust and general ventilation to minimize airborne exposure
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA PEL/TLV for 2-Methylresorcinol; minimize exposure as for similar phenolic compounds
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved particulate respirator if dust is present or if ventilation is inadequate
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl), protective clothing and shoes
Hygiene: Wash hands, forearms, and face before breaks and after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this substance
Appearance: Off-white to beige crystalline powder
Odor: Faint phenolic odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Slightly acidic in solution
Melting Point: 102–105°C
Boiling Point: 261°C (estimated)
Flash Point: 140°C (closed cup, approximate)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not readily flammable, but may ignite at high temperatures
Explosive Limits: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: 1.20 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and ether
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Data not available
Autoignition Temperature: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes above 200°C
Viscosity: Not applicable to solid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Not highly reactive, but reacts with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, direct sunlight, sources of ignition, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases and oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Reactions: Can react to produce toxic phenolic vapors when heated or in contact with incompatible substances
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, phenolics, other toxic gases possible when heated or burned
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal, ocular, oral
Acute Toxicity Estimate (Oral): LD50 (rat) approx. 400–700 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause skin redness, irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause severe irritation, tearing, blurred vision
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely, but can cause nose and throat irritation
Skin Sensitization: Prolonged contact may cause allergic reactions in some individuals
Carcinogenicity: No classification as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive effects
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not known to cause genetic defects
Other Information: Repeated/prolonged exposure may cause contact dermatitis or aggravate skin disorders
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Aquatic Toxicity: No official LC50 established for fish, invertebrates, or algae, but phenolic compounds generally have moderate toxicity
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable, though rate may vary in different environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate, based on structure and solubility
Mobility in Soil: May leach to groundwater if released, especially as a powder; moderately mobile in soil
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may impact water quality and disrupt wastewater treatment operations
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect contaminated material and residues in sealed, labeled containers
Disposal of Chemicals: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations for organic chemical waste
Incineration: Approved incineration recommended for larger amounts; may be landfilled if approved as nonhazardous by authorities
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly before reuse or dispose in compliance with local laws
Precautions: Prevent releases to the environment, do not flush to sewer or surface water systems
UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most international rules; check for local requirements
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good
Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None assigned
Labeling Requirements: Not required unless mixed with hazardous components
Transport Special Precautions: Keep container tightly closed, dry, and upright during transport; avoid mechanical shock; prevent dust generation
Environmental Hazards: Report spills according to local regulation
OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated under OSHA hazardous substance lists
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Status: Subject to evaluation and registration in EU countries; not on the restricted list
SARA Title III: Not an extremely hazardous substance; not listed as a reportable quantity (RQ) chemical
California Proposition 65: Not on Proposition 65 list
Other Regulations: Keep up with national inventories such as DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia), and ensure compliance within shipping/handling jurisdictions
Labelling for Safe Use: Carry GHS hazard information on all packages
