Chemical name: 3-Methylaniline
Synonyms: m-Toluidine
Molecular formula: C7H9N
Molecular weight: 107.15 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, oily liquid that can turn yellowish-brown over time
Odor: Aromatic, somewhat sweet but not pleasant in enclosed spaces
Recommended uses: Intermediate in dye manufacturing, others in synthesis work
Relevant industries: Chemical processing, specialty manufacturing, research and laboratory settings
Classification: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or contacted with skin
Hazard pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard symbol
Signal word: Danger
Primary risks: Causes injury to skin and eyes, significant dangers if vapors are inhaled or if product contacts mucous membranes, may cause genetic defects and has shown carcinogenic effects in test studies
Acute effects: Central nervous system depression, methemoglobinemia, headache, confusion, dizziness
Chronic exposure: Repeated or prolonged exposure may damage blood, liver, and kidneys
Chemical: 3-Methylaniline
CAS No.: 108-44-1
Purity: Usually over 98% in industrial or research grades
Impurities: Trace quantities of other toluidine isomers
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for breathing difficulties, give oxygen if necessary, seek medical help for unusual symptoms
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water and mild soap, do not scrub harshly, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to reach underneath, seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, keep person calm and contact poison center or medical professional immediately
Most critical symptoms: Cyanosis, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, convulsions, loss of consciousness
Suitable extinguishing media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide—avoid using water streams directly on liquid fires
Hazards from combustion: Toxic fumes may release, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and aniline derivatives
Protective equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical splash suit, and gloves
Precautions: Stay upwind, isolate area, evacuate non-essential personnel
Personal protection: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and overalls; use appropriate respirator if ventilated space is limited
Spill response: Contain spill with sand or other inert absorbent, collect in chemical waste container
Environmental protection: Prevent runoff into soil, drains, or waterways
Cleanup methods: Avoid using water except to flush very small residues after absorbing the bulk, decontaminate surfaces with dilute bleach solution
Safe handling: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames; use only in well-ventilated spaces or fume hoods
Avoid contact: Keep away from skin, eyes, and clothing; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage conditions: Store in tightly sealed container, away from acids and oxidizing agents; keep cool and dry
Incompatibilities: Avoid storing with strong oxidizers, acids, and alkali substances
Workplace exposure limits: Recommended occupational exposure limits for toluidines remain low—consult NIOSH, OSHA, or regional standards
Engineering controls: Use fume hoods, exhaust ventilation, and chemical-resistant work surfaces
Personal protective equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, full body covering in case of splash risk; respirator for high-vapor environments
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, do not eat or drink where chemical exposure occurs
Boiling point: Around 199°C
Flash point: Around 85°C (closed cup)
Vapor pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.0 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, easily mixes with many organic solvents
Color: Clear to light yellow
Odor: Recognizably aromatic, sharp and unpleasant
Stability: Stable under most storage conditions, breaks down with strong oxidizers, excessive light, or heat
Reactivity: Reacts with acids and oxidizing agents
Decomposition products: Emits toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides and irritating organic vapors on heating
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact all pose significant risks
Acute toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats is about 930 mg/kg
Irritation: Causes burns to skin and eyes on direct contact
Chronic effects: Methemoglobinemia, risk of carcinogenicity based on animal studies, potential to damage the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system
Sensitization: Some potential for skin sensitization after repeated contact
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms
Mobility in soil: Product may leach and persist in groundwater due to moderate mobility
Biodegradability: Degrades slowly under typical environmental conditions
Potential for bioaccumulation: Moderate risk based on chemical structure and environmental behavior
Waste treatment: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, comply with local and federal regulations
Disposal method: Incineration preferred where permitted, use licensed chemical waste collector
Safety during disposal: Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, label containers clearly to prevent accidental exposure
UN Number: 1708
Proper shipping name: m-Toluidine
Hazard class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing group: III
Transport precautions: Keep containers upright and sealed, store away from food or feedstuffs, placard vehicles clearly as toxic cargo during transit
U.S. Regulation: Subject to reporting under SARA Title III, Section 313 (EPCRA)
OSHA status: Classified as hazardous chemical, requires compliance with hazard communication
California Prop 65: Listed as a chemical known to cause cancer
International regulation: Included on many chemical inventory lists (REACH, DSL, PICCS, etc.) as a controlled hazardous substance
Environmental controls: Strict discharge prohibitions, monitoring required at most facilities using or producing 3-Methylaniline