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BENZYL CHLORIDE ICSC: 0016
Date of Peer Review: October 2001

alpha-Chlorotoluene
(Chloromethyl)benzene
Tolyl chloride
CAS # 100-44-7 C7H7Cl / C6H5CH2Cl
RTECS # XS8925000 Molecular mass: 126.6
UN # 1738
EC # 602-037-00-3
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 67°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 67°C use a closed system, ventilation.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!

Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Nausea. Headache. Shortness of breath. Dizziness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Causes watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Vomiting. Burning sensation.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Collect leaking liquid in covered non-metallic containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: T
R: 45-22-23-37/38-41-48/22
S: 53-45
Note: [E]
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Pack Group: II
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1738
NFPA Code: H2; F2; R1.
Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Ventilation along the floor. Store only if stabilized.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 1999

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
BENZYL CHLORIDE ICSC: 0016
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance will polymerize under the influence of all common metals except nickel and lead, with evolution of corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride - see ICSC 0163), with fire or explosion hazard. On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride). Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants. Attacks many metals in presence of water.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2001).
MAK: skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 2; (DFG 2004).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C; on spraying much faster.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The vapour is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour or aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in unconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys, resulting in tissue lesions. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 179°C
Melting point: about -43°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
Solubility in water: none (<0.1 g/100 ml)
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 120
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.4
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.00
Flash point: 67°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 585°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.1-14.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.3
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.
NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 1999


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Benzyl chloride (SIDS)
       Benzyl Chloride (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 11, 1976)
       Benzyl Chloride (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 29, 1982)