Chemical name: 1,3,5-Trichlorobenzene
Common uses: Intermediary for dyes, solvents, chemical synthesis
Physical form: White crystalline solid with a faint aromatic odor
Synonyms: Sym-Trichlorobenzene
CAS number: 108-70-3
Molecular formula: C6H3Cl3
Health risks: Irritation or burns to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; accidental inhalation may provoke coughing, dizziness, possible headaches
Combustibility: Solid can catch fire at high enough temperatures; combustion produces toxic gases, including hydrogen chloride and phosgene
Environmental concern: Persistent in soil and water, toxic to fish and aquatic plants, bioaccumulation risk in wildlife
Chronic exposure: Extended contact may compromise liver function and disrupt blood cell production based on animal studies
Routes of exposure: Inhalation of dust or vapors, skin or eye contact, ingestion
Chemical makeup: 1,3,5-Trichlorobenzene is present at or near 100% purity in most formulations used in industry
Impurities: Minimal impurities; trace levels of other chlorinated benzenes possible depending on synthesis method; rarely present in concentrations relevant for health response
Eye contact: Immediate rinsing with running water, eyelids held apart for 15 minutes or more; consult medical care if irritation lingers
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse thoroughly with soap and water; medical attention for persistent symptoms
Inhalation: Evacuate to fresh air, keep warm and calm, seek medical care if symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek urgent care as chemical may injure internal organs
Suitable extinguishing agents: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; water stream likely to spread material
Hazardous combustion products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide
Protective equipment: Firefighters carry positive-pressure breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant suits; run-off containing chemicals must be contained
Personal precautions: Respiratory protection for large spills, gloves, protective eyewear; restrict exposure of unprotected persons
Containment: Avoid runoff into drains, collect spillage with inert absorbent such as sand or soil
Cleanup: Shovel or sweep into containers, ensure proper ventilation, dispose via regulated hazardous waste process
Handling practices: Avoid powder dispersion, generate as little dust as possible, work under local exhaust when handling in open systems
Storage guidelines: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or sources of intense heat; segregate from food, acids, strong bases, or oxidizers
Ventilation: Forced ventilation or fume hoods in workplaces handling solid or vapor
Protective gear: Gloves (chemical-resistant), safety goggles, long-sleeved lab coats or coveralls
Respiratory protection: Dust masks or respirators with appropriate cartridges for those working regularly with dusts
Hygiene: Thorough hand washing after handling, change of contaminated clothing, eye wash facilities accessible
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Faintly aromatic
Melting point: 63 to 65°C
Boiling point: 209°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (benzene, acetone)
Vapor pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: Approx 1.5 g/cm³
Chemical stability: Maintains structure under normal ambient settings
Reactivity: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, extreme heat, flames
Decomposition: Breakdown yields hazardous gases when exposed to fire or strong alkali; inhalation of these products endangers health
Short-term exposure: Damage to eyes, mucous membranes, skin; inhalation headaches, respiratory discomfort
Long-term exposure: Evidence of liver and kidney strain in lab animals; repeat or large-dose human exposure not well-documented but prudent workers maintain strong safeguards
Skin absorption: Not highly absorbed, but chronic skin contact still discouraged
Mutagenicity/carcinogenicity: Limited evidence of DNA effects in cell culture; insufficient data to classify carcinogenicity for people
Soil and water mobility: Tends to persist in the environment, low rates of biodegradation
Aquatic toxicity: High toxicity toward fish and some aquatic invertebrates; concentrations above microgram-per-liter levels threaten ecosystem balance
Bioaccumulation: Potential for build-up in aquatic organisms and terrestrial food chains
Treatment: Must not enter household garbage or municipal sewers
Method: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber
Container disposal: Contaminated packaging treated as hazardous waste; empty, triple-rinsed containers only after full decontamination
Transport class: Regulated as an environmentally hazardous substance for road, rail, and sea
Labeling: Required hazard pictograms; containers appropriately marked, protected from weather and physical damage during shipment
Special precautions: Rules may be stricter in certain areas of Europe, North America, or Asia; always consult up-to-date transport codes for new requirements
Workplace regulations: Occupational safety agencies set occupational exposure limits; workplace air needs regular monitoring if use is frequent
Environmental legislation: Restrictions on discharge to surface water and soil; subject to chemical accident prevention plans in some jurisdictions
Hazard labeling: Requires pictograms and warning statements outlining acute and chronic risks in all commercial distribution