Chemical Name: Xylenol
Common Names: Dimethylphenol, 2,4-Xylenol, 2,5-Xylenol, 3,5-Xylenol, 2,6-Xylenol
Chemical Formula: C8H10O
CAS Number: 1300-71-6
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, chemical intermediate, resin production
Manufacturer: Refer to label for provider information
Emergency Contact: Local poison center or chemical safety office
Synonyms: Dimethyl hydroxybenzene, Xylenols
Product Codes: Refer to supplier documentation
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral and dermal), Skin irritation, Serious eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, corrosion
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Target Organs: Central nervous system, kidneys, liver
Symptoms: Burning, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, abdominal pain
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapors. Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Xylenol (Dimethylphenol): 95–100%
Impurities: Cresols, Phenol, Water (varying trace amounts dependent on grade)
Other Names: Various isomer names based on position of methyl groups
Molecular Weight: 122.16 g/mol
Physical State: Solid or Liquid (depends on temperature and isomer)
Color: White to pale yellow
Odor: Phenolic, medicinal
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for fifteen minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical help for irritation or burns.
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms appear.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call poison center or doctor immediately.
Notes for Physician: Treat symptoms, support respiratory and cardiovascular functions, monitor for systemic toxicity. Activated charcoal recommended in some ingestion cases.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol foam, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, toxic phenolic vapors
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Procedures: Remove containers from area if safe. Cool exposed containers with water spray. Avoid inhalation of smoke.
Flammability: Combustible solid/liquid
Flash Point: 81°C to 116°C (based on isomer)
Explosion Data: Dust or vapor in air may form explosive mixtures
Other Hazards: Can flow into drains and react with oxidizers
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid breathing vapors and contact with skin and eyes, use appropriate respiratory protection
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material, transfer to a chemical waste container. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent release into sewers or waterways. Wash spill area with soap and water.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to soil, drains, or watercourses. Notify authorities if large spill occurs.
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, laboratory coat or impervious clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator for large spills
Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid creating dust or aerosol, avoid direct contact with skin or eyes. Use local exhaust ventilation. Practice good industrial hygiene, wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, acids, food, and beverages. Protect from heat, sparks, and open flames. Store away from incompatible substances.
Special Requirements: Label all containers clearly. Avoid contamination of soils and groundwater.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL TWA: not established; ACGIH TLV TWA: not established; observe lower limits as a precaution based on similar compounds
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety shower, eyewash stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective clothing (apron, lab coat), respiratory protection (organic vapor cartridge respirator for high concentrations)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after use. Remove contaminated clothing before entering common areas.
Appearance: White to pale yellow solid or oily liquid
Odor: Strong, phenolic
Odor Threshold: Low (detectable at levels below 1 ppm)
Boiling Point: 210°C to 220°C (based on isomer)
Melting Point: 25°C to 75°C (isomer dependent)
Solubility: Slight in water, soluble in organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Specific Gravity: 1.02 to 1.07 (isomer dependent)
pH: Acidic in solution
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.2–2.6
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids)
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, toxic phenolic vapors
Hazardous Reactions: May react with oxidizers to produce heat or explosions
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 282 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 840 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to liver and kidney injury, central nervous system effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or NTP
Mutagenicity: No mutagenic data available
Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive reproductive toxicity data
Sensitization: Possible skin sensitizer, particularly with repeated exposure
Other Data: Strong skin and eye irritant, risk of systemic poisoning with high exposure
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, toxic to fish and invertebrates. LC50 (fish, 96h): 3.2 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Limited biodegradation in water and soil, persistent with high concentrations
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate (log Kow values suggest possible accumulation in organisms)
Mobility in Soil: Potential to leach to groundwater, limited by low solubility
Other Adverse Effects: May contribute to long-term effects in aquatic environments if released
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Incineration preferred for contaminated material.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be triple rinsed prior to disposal, then sent to appropriate waste facility
Special Considerations: Do not allow product or runoff to enter drains or waterways. Notify authorized waste management facility before disposal.
Disposal Code: US EPA RCRA Waste Number U037 (if applicable for certain isomers)
UN Number: 2430
Proper Shipping Name: Xylenols
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Label: Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes (may be harmful to marine life)
Special Transport Notes: Avoid shipment with food and feedstuffs. Ensure containers remain tightly sealed during transit. Comply with road, air, sea, and rail rules for toxic solids or liquids.
U.S. TSCA Status: Listed
EPA SARA Title III: Sections 311/312: Acute Health Hazard; Section 313: Listed for some isomers
OSHA: Considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Canada (DSL/NDSL): Listed on DSL
EU Regulations: Classified as hazardous, requires risk and safety phrases on labeling
Other Regulations: WHMIS (Canada): D1B (Toxic), D2B (Irritant)
Chemical Safety Assessment: Required prior to industrial use in many regions
International Inventories: Included on most chemical inventories worldwide, but local restrictions may apply
