Product Name: M-Ethylphenol
CAS Number: 108-39-4
Synonyms: 3-Methylphenol, Meta-cresol
Manufacturer: Major international chemical suppliers, full contact details on request
Recommended Use: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, used for resins, disinfectants, solvents
Emergency Contact: Local poison control, national emergency lines
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral), Skin corrosion/irritation, Serious eye damage/irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Corrosion, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, May be harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye/face protection, Wash thoroughly after handling
Chemical Identity: M-Ethylphenol
Chemical Formula: C7H8O
Concentration: ≥99%
Impurities: Trace isomers (o- and p-cresol), water (<0.5%), unspecified by-products
UN Number: UN 2076
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep under observation for signs of respiratory distress, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention at once
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, do not attempt neutralization, seek medical care for burns or persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with running water for at least 20 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, do not rub, immediate hospital treatment strongly recommended
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, get emergency medical help, give water if conscious and alert, activated charcoal might help
Self-protection for First Aiders: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and splash goggles
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray can help cool exposed containers only
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes (phenol, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide) on combustion, vapors heavier than air, fire hazard increases with heat
Special Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus due to risk of inhaling toxic gases
Firefighting Techniques: Cool containers with plenty of water from a safe distance, prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, wear full protective gear with chemical-resistant boots and gloves, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering sewers, surface water, groundwater; notify authorities if major releases occur
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spills with inert material such as sand or vermiculite, collect in containers for chemical waste, do not flush down drains, decontaminate area with soap solution after cleanup
Safe Handling Advice: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, ensure local exhaust or general room ventilation, handle with care to prevent leak or spill, avoid skin and eye contact
Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in a cool, well-ventilated area, use corrosion-resistant containers (glass, polyethylene), segregate from strong oxidizers and acids, label all containers clearly
Other Precautions: Periodically check for leaks or deterioration of container integrity, keep away from food and beverages
Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV 5 ppm (skin), OSHA PEL 22 mg/m³ (ceiling)
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation to minimize vapor exposure, monitor air concentrations in work area
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), impervious protective clothing, closed shoes, goggles with face shield, certified respirator in case ventilation does not reduce exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking; immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: Colorless to yellowish liquid
Odor: Phenolic, harsh, medicinal
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low concentrations
Boiling Point: 203°C
Melting Point: 11°C
Flash Point: 86°C (closed cup)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 533°C
Explosive Limits: 1.3% (lower), 9.9% (upper)
Vapor Pressure: 0.11 kPa at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (air=1)
Solubility: Only slightly soluble in water, freely miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform
Relative Density: 1.03 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable (weakly acidic in solution)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures in sealed containers
Reactivity: Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents, acids, or alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phenol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and toxic fumes on burning
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (perchlorates, nitrates, chromates), strong acids or bases, plastics may degrade
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 121 mg/kg, Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 890 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe irritant, can cause chemical burns and blistering
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation and possible permanent eye injury
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may cause irritation, risk of systemic toxicity with high exposures
Other Effects: Central nervous system depression, nausea, headache, confusion, liver and kidney injury with repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as a carcinogen but long-term effects under study
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, acute LC50 (fish): 30 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate persistence in environment, slowly biodegrades under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate (log Kow 1.96)
Mobility in Soil: Moderate, may leach to groundwater if released
Other Environmental Effects: Contributes to water pollution, can jeopardize microbial populations in sewage treatment plants
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of content and container in accordance with local and national regulations, incineration under controlled conditions preferred
Special Precautions: Do not allow material to enter environment or sewers, empty containers can retain hazardous residues, ensure thorough cleaning or decontamination before recycling
UN Number: UN 2076
Proper Shipping Name: Cresols, liquid
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Toxic, Corrosive
Special Transport Precautions: Protect containers from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures, comply with all applicable regulations in transit
OSHA: Classified hazardous substance, requires Safety Data Sheet under the Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EU Classification: EC 203-583-1, hazardous per CLP Regulation
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting requirements under Section 313
Other Regulations: Subject to restrictions and notifications for workplace, transport, and environment by national and international agencies
Worker Notification: Provide clear information and training to users about hazards, controls, and emergency measures
