Chemical Name: 3,5-Xylenol
Synonyms: 5-Methyl-3-xylene, 3,5-Dimethylphenol
CAS Number: 108-68-9
Recommended Use: Antiseptics, disinfectants, chemical intermediates
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s contact information should appear here, including address, phone, emergency contact
Emergency Phone: National chemical safety response organization or local agency
Classification: Flammable liquids (Category 4), Acute toxicity (oral, Category 4), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Eye damage/irritation (Category 2A)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, combustible liquid
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Flame
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist, vapours, or spray; wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid release to the environment; wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; harmful if ingested or inhaled; prolonged exposure may affect nervous system, liver, and kidneys
Chemical Identity: 3,5-Xylenol
CAS Number: 108-68-9
Concentration: ≥99%
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of other xylenol isomers or phenolic compounds
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen; provide oxygen if breathing difficulty develops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected areas with plenty of soap and water; get medical help if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open; remove contact lenses if easily possible; obtain medical attention right away
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious individual; seek immediate medical care
Medical Attention: Symptomatic and supportive treatment; respiratory support and monitoring in case of severe exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO2), water spray (do not use direct jet)
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during combustion; vapor may form explosive mixtures with air
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up or possible explosion
Fire Potential: Combustible liquid and vapor; keep away from ignition sources
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate space; avoid breathing vapors and contact with skin or eyes; use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent substance from entering drains, waterways, or soil; alert environmental authorities in accordance with local regulations
Clean-up Methods: Use inert absorbent material such as sand, earth, or vermiculite; collect and place into suitable containers for disposal; clean spill area thoroughly with water and detergent
Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; keep away from sources of ignition, heat, sparks; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers and acids; keep out of reach of children
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, bases
Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limits often not specifically established; general threshold limits for phenolic compounds may apply; consult local regulatory authority recommendations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), protective clothing, appropriate respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling; launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Phenolic, medicinal
Melting Point: 64–67°C
Boiling Point: 220–222°C
Flash Point: Approximately 111°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: About 1.03 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
pH: Not applicable in solid state
Partition Coefficient (Octanol/Water): Log Kow ≈ 2.3–2.6
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, and sources of ignition; prolonged exposure to air may result in discoloration
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Produces toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during combustion or decomposition
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat) approximately 1200 mg/kg; exposure can affect respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation on contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious irritation, potential for long-term damage with prolonged exposure
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified as a respiratory sensitizer, but may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions
Long-term Exposure: Repeated exposure may damage liver, kidneys, nervous system; adequate workplace controls reduce risks
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic under major regulatory systems
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; potential for bioaccumulation in the environment
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile; likely to partition to soil and sediment based on log Kow value
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; may persist and pose a risk to the aquatic environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate, owing to its octanol-water partition coefficient
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; incineration in a chemical incinerator is suitable
Recommended Disposal: Chemical incineration, or other approved disposal methods; avoid release into environment
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be triple-rinsed, then properly disposed or recycled based on local regulations
UN Number: UN 2810
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. (contains 3,5-xylenol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1
Packing Group: III
Transport Labels: Toxic
Special Precautions: Secure tightly; avoid contact with incompatible materials; restrict access and properly label during transit
Regulatory Transport Codes: Check IATA, IMDG, DOT, ADR guidelines for exact requirements
TSCA (USA): Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Listed (EINECS No. 203-600-2)
REACH Status: Manufactured/imported in accordance with REACH standards
SARA Title III (USA): Section 313, subject to reporting based on volume/usage
OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects)
International Inventories: Included in key regulatory chemical inventories; users should confirm current listings prior to trade or transport