Product Name: 3-Methylcatechol
Other Names: 3-methyl-1,2-dihydroxybenzene
CAS Number: 4881-03-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory use, intermediate in chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Information: Contact details of chemical distributor or manufacturer must be included on the original packaging and purchase documentation; check with supplier for the most current emergency phone numbers and address
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local Poison Control or manufacturer’s emergency service
UN Number: 2811
Product Code: Supplied by manufacturer/distributor; varies by supplier
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin irritation, serious eye irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled; causes skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust, fumes, mist, or vapor; wash hands thoroughly after handling; use proper protective equipment; avoid release to environment
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract, ingestion
Target Organs: Mucous membranes, skin, eyes, central nervous system
Specific Hazards: Irritation, possible toxic effects from chemical absorption, possible combustibility of dust or vapors under specific conditions
Chemical Name: 3-Methylcatechol
Synonyms: 3-methylpyrocatechol
CAS Number: 4881-03-2
EC Number: 225-509-0
Purity: ≥98% (as supplied by most chemical distributors)
Formula: C7H8O2
Relevant Impurities: Trace solvents, related methylcatechols (trace), water (trace), needs review on certificate of analysis per batch
Ingredient Contribution to Hazard: Main compound causes toxicity, skin, and eye irritation; dust may present inhalation hazard
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, get medical attention right away if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with large amounts of water, use soap if available, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical advice quickly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by professional, seek immediate medical help
Most Important Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, headache, skin redness, eye irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort
Special Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for delayed effects, observe for respiratory distress or systemic toxicity
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, water spray (for small fires), avoid powerful water jets that spread dust
Hazards Arising from Chemical: Burning releases irritating or toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water, keep away from runoff that may carry chemical into waterways
Combustion Products: Phenolic and aromatic vapors, as well as oxides of carbon
Flammability: Risk increases if dust accumulates in the air forming a combustible cloud
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid dust formation, use protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, rivers, or surface water systems
Cleanup Methods: Scoop up solid material, place in compatible waste container, clean area thoroughly with water, avoid raising dust
Reporting: Notify appropriate local, regional, or national authorities if significant spillage affects the environment
Handling: Operate in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing dust and vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, use appropriate PPE
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids, bases)
Special Provisions: Protect materials from moisture and light to reduce risk of decomposition; label containers clearly
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong alkalis
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, keep containers tightly sealed after use
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH limits specifically assigned; minimize exposure under general dust and phenolic handling limits
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or local ventilation; maintain eyewash stations and safety showers nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or full face shield, lab coat or chemical resistant apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators if dust or vapor is generated above nuisance levels
Environmental Controls: Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately, avoid release to environment
Other Protection: Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: White to tan crystalline solid/powder
Odor: Phenolic, faint aromatic
pH: Slightly acidic in solution
Melting Point: Approximately 123–126°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Around 150°C (closed cup, varies by method)
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, ether
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Relative Density: About 1.2 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): Estimated ~1
Evaporation Rate: Not rapid under ambient conditions
Other Data: Stable under recommended storage, can undergo slow oxidation in air
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions, may discolor or degrade in light or moist air
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, bases, acids, can auto-oxidize slowly
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to light, moisture, elevated temperatures
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected
Decomposition Products: Phenols, tars, carbon oxides
Other Hazards: Forms irritating vapors or dust during thermal decomposition
Acute Toxicity: Harmful by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes; LD50 (oral, rat) approximately 820 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause irritation, redness, cracking upon prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, redness, watering, possible damage with direct contact
Respiratory Effects: Cough, sneezing, sore throat after inhalation
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term effects not fully studied; repeated exposure could affect liver or kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogen
Other Effects: May cause dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset after significant exposure; skin sensitization reported in rare cases
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with possible long-term effects
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate, based on molecular structure
Mobility in Soil: Moderate in water, can leach to groundwater if spilled
Other Adverse Effects: Runoff may affect microorganisms, avoid discharge to waterways
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and dispose of waste through a licensed hazardous waste disposer
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, then send to chemical waste handler
Special Instructions: Consult local and national regulations for hazardous waste codes
Do Not: Release into sewage, surface water, or soil
UN Number: 2811
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (contains 3-Methylcatechol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic solid)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Environmentally hazardous substance (marine pollutant)
Transport Labels: Class 6, Toxic
Special Precautions for User: Ensure packaging integrity, follow regulations for toxic solids
Regulatory Status: Check DOT, IATA, IMDG rules before shipping
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Subject to TSCA inventory listing under EPA; check SARA Title III Section 313 for toxic chemical reporting requirements
OSHA: Not specifically regulated as hazardous but general OSHA chemical hazards apply
Canada (WHMIS): Classified as toxic, controlled product
European Union: REACH registered, hazard labeling applies
Other Regulations: RoHS/WEEE not applicable; ensure compliance with local environmental protection rules in handling and disposal
Notification: Always keep current safety data accessible to laboratory and emergency response personnel; maintain communication with regulatory authorities if large-scale handling possible
