© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical name: 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalene
Synonyms: Tetralin
CAS number: 119-64-2
Molecular formula: C10H12
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild aromatic, almost oily scent
Typical uses: Serving as hydrogen-donor solvent, intermediate in organic synthesis, heat-transfer fluid, and laboratory reagent
Solubility: Insoluble in water, readily dissolves in many organic solvents
Main hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor, health hazard when inhaled, irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system
GHS label elements: Flammable (flame pictogram), health hazard exclamation mark
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute effects: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, skin and eye irritation
Chronic risks: Possible central nervous system effects, cumulative exposure can harm liver and kidneys
Environmental impact: Toxicity towards aquatic life, especially fish; volatile nature may contribute to air contamination in spills
Chemical composition: Mainly pure 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, sometimes with trace aromatics or residual solvents from manufacture
Purity level: Usually above 97% in chemical supply chains
Impurities: Naphthalene or other light aromatic hydrocarbons in minor amounts
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, support breathing if breathing feels labored, consult a physician for persistent symptoms such as headache or nausea
Skin contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap to reduce irritation, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical help for persistent effects
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to clear residues, consult an eye specialist if redness or pain continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting to prevent aspiration; rinse mouth with water, seek immediate medical advice
Suitable extinguishing media: Foam, dry chemical, CO2; water sprays to cool containers as the substance vaporizes easily
Hazards during fire: Toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide and irritating smokes, may form
Protective gear: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suits to avoid inhaling vapors
Special advice: Containers exposed to fire get cooled well after flames are out to prevent re-ignition from hot surfaces
Personal precautions: Evacuate unnecessary people, ventilate affected spaces, avoid breathing vapor, wear chemical gloves and goggles
Spill cleanup: Use absorbent materials like sand or inert clay to soak up the liquid, shovel residue into chemical waste containers for disposal
Disposal: Label waste, do not let runoff reach waterways as the substance is hazardous to aquatic organisms
Environmental precautions: Block off drains, use spill barriers, and report substantial leaks to local environmental agencies
Handling tips: Keep containers closed when not in use, avoid splashes by pouring and transferring carefully, stay in well-ventilated areas to keep vapor concentration low
Storage: Store in a cool, dry area away from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of ignition
Materials compatibility: Keep away from oxidizers, acids, and bases, use lined containers to reduce corrosion risk
Safety measures: Ground drums and transfer equipment to cut static electricity buildup; post clear flammable liquid signage
Workplace controls: Use mechanical ventilation for vapor control, install local exhausts near points of frequent use
Personal protective equipment: Chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, flame-resistant lab coats or overalls, respiratory mask for high-exposure tasks
Exposure limit (where established): OSHA and ACGIH generally treat similar aromatics with time-weighted average and short-term peak limits
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating or smoking, change out of contaminated clothing promptly after exposure
Physical state: Liquid at room temperature
Color: Colorless to faint yellow
Odor threshold: Noticeable, aromatic hydrocarbon smell
Boiling point: About 206°C
Melting point: −35°C
Flash point: Around 81°C (closed cup)
Vapor pressure: Low to moderate at ambient temperatures, rising with heating
Density: Close to 0.97 g/cm³
Solubility: Negligible in water, mixes with organic solvents
Chemical stability: Remains stable under recommended conditions, but breaks down with strong oxidizers
Incompatible materials: Strong acids and oxidizing agents, halogenated compounds
Hazardous reactions: Contact with air and light over time can start slow oxidation, raising the risk of peroxide buildup
Decomposition products: If overheated, splits into hazardous vapors like aromatic compounds and carbon monoxide
Routes of exposure: Main concerns arise from inhalation and skin absorption
Acute toxicity: High doses produce drowsiness, irritation of the respiratory tract, and headaches; less toxic than many aromatic solvents but not risk-free
Repeated exposure: Long-term or high-level contact impacts liver function and kidney health
Irritation: Both skin and eyes experience visible redness and moderate burning sensation after contact
Sensitization: Unlikely, but routine exposure sometimes triggers mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic invertebrates at moderate concentrations
Persistence and bioaccumulation: Likely to linger in the environment with slow breakdown, tends to accumulate in soil and living organisms
Soil mobility: Low water solubility means limited uptake through soil, though runoff after spills can contaminate the local area
Degradation: Biodegradation in soil and water proceeds slowly, so safe disposal remains vital
Safe disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, incinerate under controlled conditions where allowed
Container cleaning: Empty drums and bottles should be triple-rinsed and properly labeled before recycling or final disposal
Prohibited disposal: Direct dumping into waterways or landfill risks community health and ecological balance
UN number: Known as a regulated flammable liquid, requires proper labeling and transportation paperwork
Shipping regulations: Follows strict packaging and carriage rules set by international codes (such as IMDG or IATA)
Emergency procedures: Spills in transit are managed with absorbents, vessel isolation, and environmental compliance checks
Chemical status: Recognized as a hazardous material in worker safety regulations and environmental statutes
Labeling requirements: Follows the Globally Harmonized System rules for flammable and toxic liquids, requiring hazard pictograms and clear risk language
Restrictions: Use subject to workplace exposure limits, notification requirements for large stocks; waste handling governed by regional hazardous waste protocols
Reporting obligations: Larger scale users must record inventory and share risk mitigation plans with authorities to keep public and workplace safety high
