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Substance Name: 2-Methylnaphthalene
Common Names: β-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalin
Chemical Formula: C11H10
CAS Number: 91-57-6
Appearance: White to pale yellow solid with a distinctive aromatic odor
Uses: Intermediate in dyes, resins, and organic synthesis, sometimes as an ingredient in specialty fuels
Odor Threshold: Strong, naphthalene-like aroma, typically obvious at low airborne concentrations
Signal Word: Warning
Primary Hazards: Flammable solid, potential skin and eye irritant, harmful if swallowed or inhaled
GHS Classification: Combustible and toxic to aquatic environments
Potential Health Effects: Irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; irritates mucous membranes; causes headaches, nausea, dizziness after inhalation
Environmental Risks: Harmful impact on aquatic life
Label Elements: Exclamation mark symbol, environmental hazard symbol
Routes of Exposure: Absorbed mainly by inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion
Chemical Name: 2-Methylnaphthalene
Purity: Typically above 95% in industrial or laboratory settings
Impurities: Trace naphthalene, possible low-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from production
Inhalation: Move to fresh air promptly, comfortable breathing position, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult a physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, avoid inducing vomiting, obtain immediate medical attention if a significant amount is swallowed
Symptoms to Watch For: Skin redness, coughing, sore throat, eye irritation, dizziness, headache, nausea
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray (for cooling), dry chemical, CO2, foam
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water streams
Hazards from Combustion: Emits toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Special Protective Equipment: Chemical protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for firefighters
Precautions: Keep containers cool by spraying with water, approach fire from upwind, limit exposure to smoke
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust or vapors, use gloves and goggles, ventilate area well
Containment: Sweep up spill, avoid raising dust, collect into suitable containers for disposal
Clean-up Methods: Wipe with damp cloth, rinse area with water after removing material
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material entry into drains, waterways, or soil
Disposal: Follow regulations for hazardous waste, keep contaminated cleaning materials in closed containers
Handling Tips: Use only with adequate ventilation, ground and bond containers when dispensing, minimize dust generation
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and face after use, do not eat, drink, or smoke where substance is handled
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers, keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place
Separation: Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, or ignition sources
Stability Concerns: Prevent prolonged exposure to air and light which can promote decomposition
Occupational Exposure Limits: No strict limits for 2-methylnaphthalene, but related naphthalene compounds have limits around 10 ppm (ACGIH TLV)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, and general dilution ventilation improve air quality
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for dust or vapors, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
Environmental Controls: Air monitoring for workplace, containment to prevent ground or water pollution
Physical State: Solid at room temperature
Color: White to pale yellow
Melting Point: Near 36°C (97°F)
Boiling Point: About 241°C (466°F)
Density: 1.02 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Low at 20°C
Solubility: Poorly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Odor: Strong aromatic, “mothball” like
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling conditions, risk increases with exposure to heat, light, or oxidizers
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizing agents leading to fire or explosion
Hazardous Decomposition: Combustion and decomposition produce carbon oxides, possibly additional hazardous organics
Avoid: Open flames, sources of static discharge, incompatible substances (strong acids, oxidizers)
Acute Toxicity: Moderate oral and inhalation toxicity, causes skin irritation, respiratory discomfort
Chronic Effects: Long-term or repeated overexposure may harm liver or kidneys, possible links to cancer from related PAHs, insufficient data specific to 2-methylnaphthalene
Sensitization: Rarely sensitizes skin but can aggravate symptoms with repeated contact
Carcinogenicity: Classified within the naphthalene family, which includes compounds listed as possible carcinogens; direct evidence for 2-methylnaphthalene limited in humans
Aquatic Toxicity: Proven toxic to fish and invertebrates, persistent in environment due to poor water solubility and slow breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Moderate risk, accumulates in sediments and aquatic organisms
Mobility: Tends to bind to soil and sediment rather than move with water
Environmental Fate: Resistant to quick biodegradation, lingering in areas with little sunlight or microbial activity
Persistence: Remains in soil and water for extended periods, requiring vigil in contaminant management
Disposal Method: Keep material for approved hazardous waste handler, favor thermal treatment or licensed incineration rather than landfill
Container Disposal: Decontaminate and recycle if possible, otherwise treat as hazardous waste
Regulatory Compliance: Stick to federal and local requirements for hazardous organic chemicals
Shipping Description: Solid chemical, combustible, labeled as hazardous material
Packing Group: Typically Group III (minor danger)
UN Number: Ships under naphthalene-related codes
Transport Hazards: Caution for flammability, keep away from food and incompatible goods
Special Precautions: Package tightly, mark as hazardous, prevent release during transit
Global Classifications: Flagged under hazardous chemical regulations in the US, EU, and select Asian countries
OSHA/WHMIS/GHS: Addresses toxic and flammable risks, highlights specific routes of exposure
Environmental Laws: In several respects falls under the same banner as other aromatic hydrocarbons for limits in workplace air quality and maximum allowable discharge
Community Information: Emergency planning requirements apply in areas adjacent to production, storage, or large-scale handling facilities
