Chemical Name: 3-Chloropropene
Common Names: Allyl chloride
CAS Number: 107-05-1
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor
Uses: Organic synthesis, raw material for polymers, surfactants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals
Other Identifiers: Listed as hazardous under many regulatory listings, highlighting the level of risk involved for industrial users and workers who come in contact with it.
Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, reactive with moisture
Major Symptoms of Exposure: Burning sensation, cough, sore throat, headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing
Chronic Effects: Liver and kidney complications, potential carcinogenicity, damage to nervous system with prolonged exposure
Label Elements: Flammable, toxic, health hazard pictograms — these warnings stand out for a good reason, reminding anyone who works with it that vigilance and respect for its dangers are non-negotiable.
Active Ingredient: 3-Chloropropene
Chemical Formula: C3H5Cl
Concentration: Typically 98% or greater in industrial supplies
Major Impurities: Traces of related halogenated compounds and water
Other Additives: None disclosed; this compound is usually supplied in high purity due to the risks of reactive impurities.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water, get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes, especially if irritation or pain persists, get medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting, consult poisoning professionals immediately — the severity of its toxicity means every incident calls for rapid response, and not waiting it out can make the difference in recovery outcomes.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets; can cause spreading
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, combustion releases hydrogen chloride and phosgene gases
Firefighter Protection: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus are essential — mishandling or underestimating fire risk can escalate consequences rapidly in an enclosed facility.
Advice: Cool containers with water spray to reduce risk of explosion.
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and suitable respiratory protection, contain leaks if safe
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from contaminating soil and waterways as the compound poses threat to aquatic life
Clean-Up Methods: Use non-sparking tools, absorb spillage with inert material such as sand, transfer to secure containers for disposal
Additional Advice: Ventilate area thoroughly, especially indoors, because heavier-than-air vapors can collect at ground level and pose unexpected risks.
Handling: Always use in well-ventilated areas, avoid direct contact, prevent vapor build-up by using proper exhaust ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly-sealed containers, away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible substances like strong oxidizers or metals
Incompatibilities: Acids, bases, amines, aluminum, copper alloys
Advice for Safe Practices: Clear labeling and restriction of access to trained staff enhances safety; routine checks make a difference in preventing accidental exposures or leaks.
Permissible Exposure Limits: OSHA establishes limits at 1 ppm (skin), NIOSH advises lowest possible exposure
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof equipment, gas detection alarms
Personal Protective Equipment: Butyl rubber gloves, safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant apron, full-face respirators in poorly ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: Regular hand washing after use, no eating or drinking in work area, prompt reporting and cleaning of spills — strict habits protect workers from cumulative and acute harm alike.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent, ether-like
Boiling Point: Around 45°C (113°F)
Melting Point: -136°C (-213°F)
Vapor Pressure: 515 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Limited solubility in water, mixes well with common organic solvents
Density: Close to 0.939 g/cm³ at 20°C
Flash Point: -28°C (-18°F) — low enough to demand real respect, especially in warehouses that see temperature swings or electrical sparks.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended use and storage, but not with exposure to moisture, heat, or open air
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reactions possible with strong oxidizers, acids, bases, or metals producing hydrogen gas
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Polymerization Risk: May polymerize explosively if contaminated or exposed to heat — constant vigilance and storage controls play a key role.
Acute Toxicity: High; irritates eyes, respiratory tract, skin
Long-Term Effects: Evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies, as well as liver, kidney, and nervous system injury with repeated exposures
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation most dangerous, followed by skin contact and ingestion
Symptoms: Cough, chest pain, headache, drowsiness, confusion, possible loss of consciousness; repeated exposure links to cancer or neurological harm — strict occupational monitoring offers a proven layer of protection for at-risk workers.
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; acute and chronic effects documented in fish and small aquatic invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Partially breaks down in environment, but not quickly; can reach ground water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not likely to bioaccumulate significantly, but presence in waterways can disrupt essential biological processes;
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off by checking all handling and disposal steps — local water contamination remains a top concern for many communities around chemical facilities.
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate at approved facilities equipped to handle halogenated organics
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate containers before recycling or disposal; never reuse for other chemicals
Legal Disposal: Follow all hazardous waste regulations, coordinate with licensed waste handlers
Additional Advice: On-site neutralization by untrained workers doesn’t just break rules, it jeopardizes more than just compliance — it threatens health and safety across facility and community lines.
UN Number: 1100
Proper Shipping Name: Allyl chloride
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid), subsidiary 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: I — demonstrates heightened risk
Special Precautions: Only trained personnel should handle containers, every shipment needs clear hazard labeling and up-to-date emergency documentation — safely moving this compound requires thorough preparation and communication across the chain.
OSHA Regulations: Listed as hazardous; strict workplace controls and monitoring requirements
EPA Status: Subject to hazardous substance reporting under CERCLA; tight limits on environmental releases
State Regulations: Recognized on right-to-know lists in many states, highlighting universal concern over its health and safety impact
Worker Safety Laws: Mandate exposure reduction, regular health monitoring of staff, and transparent documentation of handling incidents — sound policy moves keep risks managed and communities safer for everyone living close to chemical plants or waste facilities.