Product Name: m-Cresol
Chemical Name: 3-Methylphenol
Synonyms: Metacresol, m-Hydroxytoluene, 3-Cresol
CAS Number: 108-39-4
EC Number: 203-581-2
Recommended Use: Intermediate in synthesis, solvent, disinfectant
Manufacturer/Supplier: Supplier contact details should accompany each shipment
Emergency Contact: Poison control and emergency response numbers must be provided by the supplier
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) Category 3, Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1B, Serious Eye Damage Category 1, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Corrosion, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid release to the environment.
Chemical: m-Cresol
CAS Number: 108-39-4
Concentration: 99% or above
Impurities: Minor presence of o-cresol or p-cresol possible, typically less than 1%
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Seek medical attention. If breathing is difficult, qualified personnel may give oxygen.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek medical attention without delay.
Ingestion: Call a poison center or doctor immediately. Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Provide medical attention right away.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Severe symptoms may include burns, respiratory distress, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively. Monitor kidney and liver function, consider delayed effects.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool containers.
Unsuitable Media: Do not use strong water jets as they could spread the fire.
Special Hazards: Combustible liquid. May produce toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and phenolic vapors under fire conditions.
Firefighter Protection: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Explosion Data: Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Containers may rocket if exposed to fire or extreme heat.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area for large spills. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and suitable protective clothing. Avoid breathing vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe. Do not let product enter drains or waterways.
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Absorb with non-combustible absorbent material like sand or earth. Shovel into container for disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup.
Decontamination: Avoid using sawdust or combustible absorbent. Thoroughly wash contaminated surfaces and equipment with water.
Handling: Work with m-cresol in well-ventilated areas. Open containers carefully. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Wash hands after handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers. Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or acids.
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents. Store away from food and drink.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 5 ppm (22 mg/m3), ACGIH TLV 5 ppm (TWA).
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to control airborne levels.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or neoprene; safety goggles or a full-face shield; lab coat or appropriate protective clothing; approved respiratory protection in case of inadequate ventilation or potential for inhalation.
Hygiene Measures: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before use. Wash hands, forearms, and face after handling and before breaks and meals.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Phenolic, tar-like
Odor Threshold: About 0.28 ppm
pH: 8.2 (10 g/L solution at 20°C)
Melting Point: 11.8 °C
Boiling Point: 202 °C
Flash Point: 86 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 555 °C
Flammability: Combustible
Vapor Pressure: 0.12 mmHg (20 °C)
Solubility: Moderate in water (22 g/L at 20 °C); soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.96
Viscosity: 2.35 mPa·s at 20°C
Density: 1.034 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Evaporation Rate: Slower than butyl acetate
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: May react violently with strong oxidizing agents; reacts with acids and bases to produce heat.
Hazardous Reactions: Can form hazardous decomposition products under fire, including phenolic and carbonaceous fumes.
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong acids, bases, oxidizers, aluminum, and light metals.
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, phenolic compounds.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat): 242 mg/kg; LD50 Dermal (rabbit): 775 mg/kg; LC50 Inhalation (rat, 4h): approx. 710 mg/m3
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; respiratory irritation; central nervous system effects such as headache, dizziness.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: Evidence shows potential but not confirmed.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. LC50 for fish (96h): 36–58 mg/L (species dependent); EC50 for Daphnia (48h): 20 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, but large releases may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low to moderate, log Kow 1.96.
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility; may leach to groundwater depending on soil structure.
Other Adverse Effects: Phenolic compounds contribute to oxygen depletion in water.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of waste through licensed chemical disposal firm.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before disposal or offer for recycling.
Special Precautions: Do not allow to enter sewer, surface, or groundwater. Follow local, state, and federal regulations.
Recovery Operations: If possible, recover or recycle material. Incineration or chemical treatment at authorized facility preferable.
UN Number: UN 2076
Proper Shipping Name: Cresols, liquid
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers tightly, avoid spills, keep away from incompatible materials
Shipping Labels: Toxic, environmental hazard
OSHA: Listed hazardous chemical
TSCA: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 (Toxic Release Inventory) listed
RCRA: Classified hazardous waste (U052)
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed DSL
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Subject to reporting requirements in major jurisdictions. Refer to regional legislation for further regulatory details.
Workplace Labeling: GHS pictograms and hazard statements required on containers.
