Chemical Name: Phenethyl Alcohol
Other Names: 2-Phenylethanol
Chemical Formula: C8H10O
CAS Number: 60-12-8
Appearance: Colorless liquid, pleasant rose-like odor
Common Uses: Perfumery, flavoring agent, solvent in cosmetics, preservative in pharmaceuticals
Main Hazards: Can cause skin and eye irritation, ingestion risks, breathing vapors may irritate respiratory passages
Hazard Statements: May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, prolonged or repeated exposure increases risks for sensitive populations
Pictograms: Irritant symbol in safety documentation, not classified as highly toxic
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Chronic Effects: Usually low but possible with continuous unmanaged exposure in confined space or through direct contact
Primary Substance: 2-Phenylethanol (Concentration typically >98%)
Impurities: Minor traces of related aromatic compounds or residual manufacturing byproducts may be present
Allergen Concern: Sensitization reported in rare cases over long-term exposure
Eye Contact: Flush with water for several minutes, seek medical help if discomfort continues
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of water and soap, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for breathing difficulties, get medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, consult medical professional fast, bring chemical label if possible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water mist, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam to extinguish
Combustibility: Can catch fire at elevated temperatures, releases irritating fumes, heavy smoke possible in a contained blaze
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant clothing, avoid direct contact with burning fluid
Hazardous Combustion Products: Benzene and phenol derivatives possible, strong odor, limited toxic gas emissions compared to some solvents
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, protect exposed skin from liquid and vapors
Environmental Precaution: Keep out of waterways, avoid run-off into drains or soil
Containment: Absorb spilled liquid with inert material such as sand or earth, use suitable containers for safe disposal
Cleaning Methods: Ventilate area, avoid open flames during clean-up, wash surfaces thoroughly after removal
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, keep containers sealed after use, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Static Risk: Minimize sources of ignition, ground and bond containers when transferring liquid
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry location, protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperature, keep away from acids and oxidizing agents
Container Materials: Use sealed glass or high-density polyethylene containers for storage longevity and leak prevention
Workplace Controls: Maintain good exhaust or ventilation, avoid inhaling vapors
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, goggles, lab coats recommended for frequent handling
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use, avoid food or drink around chemical handling areas
Occupational Exposure Limits: No globally harmonized limit but best handled as a mild irritant with normal lab safety protocols
Physical State: Viscous liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Distinct floral (rose-like), used in fragrances
Melting Point: -27°C
Boiling Point: Around 219°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and ether
Density: Approximately 1.02 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under regular conditions of use and storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers like nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide
Dangerous Decomposition: Generates irritant or mildly toxic fumes if burned or decomposed by heat
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization noted in regular usage
Acute Effects: Irritates eyes, skin, respiratory tract or digestive system in concentrated form
LD50 (oral, rat): Ranges from 1,790 to 3,000 mg/kg, showing relatively low oral toxicity
Long-Term Risks: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic, rare cases of allergic reactions in sensitive people
Symptoms of Overexposure: Redness, stinging, dizziness, nausea, vomiting if swallowed in large amounts
Environmental Harm: Breaks down naturally in most environmental conditions, not known to bioaccumulate
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations, avoid letting large spills enter waterways
Persistence: Degrades through biological pathways fairly rapidly
Mobility: Moves easily through soil and water but breaks down or disperses before significant buildup, limit disposal in sinks or drains
Waste Treatment: Excess liquid can be incinerated or handled under local hazardous waste regulations
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse empty containers, dispose according to municipal guidelines, avoid open burning
Drain Disposal: Avoid unless allowed by local wastewater rules, reduce volume to absolute minimum if disposal is required
Hazard Classification: Not regulated as a hazardous material under most transport regulations
UN Number: Not assigned for ground or air shipment based on typical concentrations and volumes in consumer products
Packaging: Leak-proof, sealed containers strongly preferred, keep upright, label as chemical during transport
Workplace Safety: Subject to general chemical handling rules, not considered highly restricted
Consumer Products: Approved as a direct and indirect additive for food or fragrance use by several health agencies, maximum allowed concentrations may apply
Labeling: Must be labeled as an irritant under workplace safety rules, SDS to be provided in professional environments
Community Right-to-Know: Include in chemical inventories if storing or using in quantities above regulatory thresholds