Product Name: P-Cresol
Chemical Name: 4-Methylphenol
CAS Number: 106-44-5
Molecular Formula: C7H8O
Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
Synonyms: p-Hydroxytoluene, 4-Hydroxytoluene, 4-Cresol
Recommended Use: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, preservative, disinfectant
Supplier Details: Name, address, and contact number of manufacturer or supplier
Emergency Telephone: Emergency phone number for immediate assistance
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin corrosion, serious eye damage, hazardous to aquatic life
GHS Label Elements: Danger; Skull and crossbones symbol; Corrosive symbol
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled; causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation; hazardous to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, spray; wash thoroughly after handling; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection; avoid release to the environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, chest tightness, skin blistering, eye pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions
Target Organs: Central nervous system, liver, kidneys, respiratory system, skin, eyes
Component: P-Cresol
Concentration: ≥99% by weight
Chemical Formula: C7H8O
Chemical Family: Phenols
Impurities: Trace levels of other cresol isomers, water
General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Seek medical attention without delay.
If Inhaled: Move individual to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, provide oxygen. If not breathing, administer artificial respiration. Seek medical aid.
In Case of Skin Contact: Rinse skin with large amounts of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothes and footwear. Seek medical help.
If in Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and get medical advice.
If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Burns, serious skin and eye damage, systemic toxicity affecting organs, convulsions, loss of consciousness
Medical Attention/Special Treatment: Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Monitor vital signs, kidney, and liver function.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread fire
Special Hazards: Toxic and corrosive gases may form, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) required
Firefighting Instructions: Move containers away from fire if safe. Cool containers exposed to flames with water. Prevent run-off into sewers or waterways.
Flash Point: 86°C (186°F) (closed cup)
Explosion Limits: Lower: 1.1%, Upper: 1.5%
Autoignition Temperature: 555°C (1031°F)
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, wear suitable protective equipment (chemical resistant gloves, eye/face protection, respirator)
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, surface and ground water
Cleanup Methods: Ventilate area, absorb material with inert earth, sand, or non-combustible material. Collect in sealed, labeled containers for disposal. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete.
Decontamination: Treat residues and contaminated surfaces with a solution of sodium carbonate
Emergency Procedures: Notify responsible authorities if significant spill occurs
Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Handle under well-ventilated conditions. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sources of ignition, oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Keep away from food and beverages.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, halogenated compounds
Specific Uses: Keep limited access to trained personnel. Segregate from incompatible materials.
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 5 ppm (22 mg/m³) TWA (skin notation); OSHA PEL: None established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize exposure. Install appropriate mechanical exhaust.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators if workplace concentrations exceed exposure limits.
Hand Protection: Butyl rubber or neoprene gloves; check glove compatibility with supplier
Eye Protection: Safety goggles with side shields, or face shield
Skin and Body Protection: Long-sleeved chemical-resistant clothing, apron if handling large amounts
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area. Wash hands before breaks and after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Appearance: White to yellowish crystalline solid or liquid, often with a phenolic odor
Odor: Sharp, medicinal, phenolic smell
Odor Threshold: 0.01 ppm (detectable by smell at low concentrations)
pH: Weakly acidic in aqueous solution
Melting Point: 35°C (95°F)
Boiling Point: 202°C (396°F)
Flash Point: 86°C (186°F)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Flammable solids category 4
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Lower: 1.1%; Upper: 1.5%
Vapor Pressure: 0.13 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.034 at 40°C (water = 1)
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene; slightly soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: Log Kow 1.96
Autoignition Temperature: 555°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents or strong acids
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May polymerize or form hazardous vapors with incompatible materials
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizers, acids, bases, halogenated agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phenol, methylphenols, carbon oxides (CO, CO2), toxic vapors
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 207 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 890 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): 710 mg/m³
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion
Symptoms: Nausea, headache, dizziness, skin burns, eye injury, respiratory pain, convulsions, kidney and liver damage
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe skin burns and corrosion
Serious Eye Damage: Causes serious eye injury, possible permanent impairment
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: No significant effect documented on sensitization
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can damage organs; potential effects on central nervous system, liver, kidneys; risk of systemic poisoning
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen
Mutagenicity: Not expected to be mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive harm noted in standard exposures
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; LC50 (fish, 96h): 6.1 mg/L (Lepomis macrochirus); EC50 (daphnia, 48h): 7 mg/L
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile; may leach to groundwater
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions; not persistent in most surface waters
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate; log Kow suggests some accumulation possible
Other Adverse Effects: Disrupts aquatic organisms, harmful to algae, potential to affect wastewater microorganisms
Prevention Notes: Avoid discharge into the environment; proper containment and disposal methods required
Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents/container through licensed chemical waste disposal facility. Incineration preferred for contaminated solids and liquids.
Special Precautions: Do not allow material to enter drains or watercourses. Do not flush into surface or groundwater.
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse containers; puncture and dispose of according to local regulations.
Waste Codes: Hazardous waste code D001 (ignitable waste), D002 (corrosive waste), or D006-D043 (toxicity characteristic wastes) depending on contamination
UN Number: UN 2076
UN Proper Shipping Name: Cresols
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Toxic, Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions for Transport: Transport in tightly sealed and appropriately labeled containers. Emergency response guide number 151.
Regulations: Compliant with US DOT, IMDG, IATA guidelines for hazardous goods
OSHA Status: Hazardous substance
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 302 (Extremely Hazardous Substance): Not regulated; Section 313: Subject to reporting
EPA CERCLA RQ: 100 pounds
Canadian Regulations: WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), E (Corrosive material)
EU Regulations: Classified as dangerous, risk phrases R23/24/25 (Toxic by inhalation, skin contact, swallowing), R34 (Causes burns), safety phrases S26, S36/37/39, S45
Other National or Local Regulations: Listed as hazardous under relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Consult regional, national, and international authorities for specific requirements.
