TOLUENE
Basic information
- Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_7H_8}\), \({\rm C_6H_5CH_3}\)
- Other names: methylbenzene, toluol, phenylmethane
- CAS: 108-88-3
- International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0078
- Flammability: yes - highly flammable
- NOAA’s description: clear colourless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odour, less dense than water and insoluble in water, hence floats on water; vapours heavier than air; may be toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
- Health (blue): 2 - intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
- Flammability (red): 3 - it can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Its flash point is 4 °C. It’s autoignition temperature is 480 °C.
- Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
- Special notice (white): -
Hazard statements
| Code | Phrase |
|---|---|
| H225 | highly flammable liquid and vapour |
| H304 | may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways |
| H315 | causes skin irritation |
| H336 | may cause drowsiness or dizziness |
| H361d | suspected of damaging the unborn child |
| H373 | may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
Precautionary statements
| Code | Phrase |
|---|---|
| P210 | keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources, no smoking |
| P240 | ground and bond container and receiving equipment |
| P301+P310 | IF SWALLOWED: immediately call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline) |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: wash with soap and water |
| P308+P313 | IF EXPOSED OR CONCERNED: get medical advice/attention |
| P314 | get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell |
| P403+P233 | store in a well ventilated place, keep container tightly closed |
Protective measures
Gloves
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA Glove Selection Chart categorize gloves into four protection levels (very good, good, fair, poor (not recommended)) for given chemical. The levels of protection against toluene for four types of gloves are:
- Neoprene: fair for limited service.
- Natural latex or rubber: poor (not recommended).
- Buthyl: poor (not recommended).
- Nitrile: fair for limited service.
Safety goggles
- Always wear safety goggles when handling toluene. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
- Handle toluene inside the fume hood only (with exception of moving the closed bottle to and from the storage cabinet).
Clothing
- Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
- Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
- Do not wear cosmetics.
- Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
- Do not wear headphones.
Spill management
- Use personal protective equipment.
- Avoid dust formation, avoid breathing dust.
- Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
- Sweep up without creating dust and arrange disposal.
- Do not let it enter drain.
- If a spill happened outside the fume hood (on the floor or desktop) contact Dr Jakub Tkaczuk (+41 44 632 31 62) and the ETH Emergency Desk (+41 44 342 11 88 from mobile or 888 from landline).