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Name: m-Xylene
Chemical Formula: C8H10
CAS Number: 108-38-3
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor
Common Uses: Manufacture of isophthalic acid; used in solvent blends, paints, varnishes, dyes, laboratory reagents
Synonyms: 1,3-Dimethylbenzene
Boiling Point: Near 139°C
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, harmful by inhalation, skin and eye irritant
Risk Factors: irritates respiratory tract, potentially narcotic in high concentrations, potential organ toxicity with repeated exposure, environmental hazard
Health Hazards: Dizziness, headache, nausea, central nervous system effects at high exposure
Environmental Risks: Toxic to aquatic organisms
Symbol: Flame and health hazard pictograms as per GHS labeling
Chemical Name: m-Xylene
Concentration: Often found in high purity; commercial mixtures can include other xylene isomers
Key Impurities: o-Xylene, p-Xylene, ethylbenzene (usually under 20% combined)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with water and soap, seek attention for persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, keep rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention, never induce vomiting unless instructed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO2, sand
Unsuitable Media: Water jet (can spread the fire)
Hazards from Fire: Vapors can form explosive mixtures, hazardous decomposition yields carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Notes: Cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up, avoid inhaling fumes
Personal Protection: Keep away from ignition sources, ventilate area, wear protective gloves, goggles, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakages from entering drains or waterways, contain spillage
Clean-Up Methods: Use absorbent materials like sand or earth, collect in suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area well
Handling Tips: Use only under well-ventilated conditions, avoid breathing fumes, avoid skin and eye contact, ground all equipment
Storage Advice: Store in tightly closed containers, in cool and dry areas away from sources of ignition or heat
Other Best Practices: Segregate from strong oxidizers and acids, keep away from food and drink, label storage containers
Workplace Limits: National exposure limits often place 8-hour time weighted average around 100 ppm
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment
Personal Protection: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shield, protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators where atmospheric levels exceed limits
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, no smoking, food or drinks in work area, emergency showers and eyewash stations recommended
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, aromatic
Odor Threshold: Low parts-per-million range
Boiling Point: Approximately 139°C
Melting Point: Approximately -48°C
Density: About 0.86 g/cm3 at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: 6–8 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Virtually insoluble in water, highly soluble in organic solvents
Flash Point: Around 28°C closed cup
Autoignition Temperature: Near 527°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under proper storage, reacts with oxidizing agents
Reactivity: May form explosive mixtures with air; reacts with nitric acid, sulfuric acid
Hazardous Products: Can decompose upon heating, yielding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various hydrocarbons
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation to respiratory tract, headache, dizziness, drowsiness at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: Possible liver, kidney, nervous system impacts after prolonged exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by most agencies, but often occurs with other hazardous chemicals
Other Adverse Effects: Severe eye and skin irritation after direct contact, risk of aspiration into lungs with ingestion
Environmental Exposure: Toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations, potential for bioaccumulation
Persistence and Degradation: Degrades in air via photooxidation, moderate persistence in soils, low-to-moderate mobility in groundwater
Further Concerns: Large releases can damage aquatic systems, vapor contributes to smog formation
Disposal Methods: Incineration in approved, equipped facilities; never dispose into drains, watercourses, or open environment
Regulatory Waste Codes: Classified as hazardous waste in many regions
Precautions: Consult local, national regulations for proper disposal; contaminated containers require special handling
UN Number: 1307
Proper Shipping Name: Xylenes
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid
Packing Group: III
Transport Considerations: Requires labeling, emergency procedures during transport, must be kept away from heat
Workplace Regulations: Occupational exposure limits set in many countries, safety labeling required under GHS standards
Chemical Inventory Information: Listed on major chemical inventories globally
Hazard Communication: Requires hazard pictograms and warning statements
Community Right-to-Know: Subject to reporting in many regional environmental programs
