Boxa Chemical Group Ltd
Knowledge

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): N-Butylcatechol

Identification

Product Name: N-Butylcatechol
Chemical Name: 4-Butyl-1,2-benzenediol
Synonyms: n-Butylcatechol, 4-Butylpyrocatechol
CAS Number: 98-29-3
Recommended Use: Industrial chemical, reagent in chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Contact: Manufacturer’s address and emergency phone number (see label or purchase record)
Emergency Overview: N-Butylcatechol releases strong, phenolic odor and can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation); Skin corrosion/irritation; Eye damage/irritation; Environmental hazards
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Danger; Hazard pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May cause respiratory irritation; Toxic to aquatic life
Symptoms: Immediate burning, redness, and possible blistering on contact; Chest tightness and shortness of breath on inhalation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: N-Butylcatechol
Concentration: ≥98% pure
Impurities and Additives: Possible trace impurities include unreacted starting materials and solvents from manufacturing process; actual impurities depend on specific production lineage

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Move person out of exposure area and into fresh air; do not leave unattended
Inhalation: Take victim outdoors, keep warm, perform artificial respiration if not breathing, seek medical help
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, seek medical attention if symptoms appear
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses, get medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give plenty of water if conscious, seek immediate medical help
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Severe irritation, tissue destruction, respiratory distress, headache, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors) in fire
Protective Equipment: Use full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Instructions: Keep containers cool with water spray, avoid breathing fumes, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, goggles, respiratory protection if dust or vapors present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil; contain spill at source
Cleanup Methods: Use inert absorbent material (sand, earth), collect in non-sparking containers, ventilate area, wash site after cleanup; dispose according to regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Ensure good ventilation, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from light, heat, and incompatible substances such as oxidizers, acids, and bases; maintain security and limit access to trained personnel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood, local exhaust; maintain emergency shower and eyewash in work area
Exposure Limits: No OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH exposure limits have been established; minimize exposure through local policy
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat, apron, respiratory protection if ventilation insufficient or dust generated
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Phenolic
Molecular Weight: 166.22 g/mol
Melting Point: 53–57°C
Boiling Point: 294°C
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether
pH: Not available (solution may be acidic)
Flash Point: >100°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.2 (estimated)
Other Properties: May discolor on exposure to air and light

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, metal salts
Thermal Decomposition: May release carbon oxides, phenolic vapors
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sunlight, open flame, sources of ignition, moisture

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Irritation, burns to eyes and skin, headache, drowsiness, nausea
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Toxicity Data: Oral LD50 (rat): 670 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 345 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can damage liver and kidneys; may cause dermatitis
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: No conclusive data
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as a known carcinogen
Other Information: No evidence for mutagenic or teratogenic effects in available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; fish and invertebrates may be sensitive
Persistence and Degradability: Some slow biodegradation in water, soil; may persist if discharged into environment
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation is low to moderate, based on log Pow
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility due to solubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Release to waterways should be avoided to protect aquatic habitats

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Collect in tightly sealed containers, prevent environmental releases
Methods of Disposal: Incinerate in approved facility, observe local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as hazardous waste, do not reuse containers
Precautions: Do not mix with household or non-hazardous waste, handle with proper PPE

Transport Information

UN Number: 2811
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (N-Butylcatechol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions: Label all transport containers, avoid rough handling, keep separate from food and feed
Additional Information: Consult transportation regulations specific to mode of shipment and location

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed under Sections 302, 313
RCRA Status: Hazardous waste (contains toxic constituents)
WHMIS (Canada): Class D, Division 2B (Toxic), Class E (Corrosive)
OSHA Status: Regulated as a hazardous chemical
Other Regulations: Compliance with state and local authority guidance; ensure safe-use training for handlers, consult updated government chemical safety documents