Chemical Name: 4-Nitro-1,3-Xylene
Synonyms: 1,3-Dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene
CAS Number: 89-87-2
Recommended Use: Intermediate for dye and pigment manufacturing, research chemical
Manufacturer Contact Information: Emergency contact phone included on product label; manufacturer’s full address and spill response line available on data sheet packaging.
Product Description: Pale-yellow crystalline substance, industrial use only
Hazard Classification: Flammable solid, Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin and eye irritation, Suspected of causing genetic defects, Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Symbols: GHS07, GHS08, GHS09
Hazard Statements: May cause respiratory irritation, May cause drowsiness or dizziness, Suspected of causing cancer or reproductive toxicity through prolonged exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin and eyes; use in a well-ventilated area; keep container tightly closed and away from ignition sources.
Potential Health Effects: Headache, nausea, contact dermatitis, organ toxicity from prolonged exposure, long-term genetic health impacts possible.
Main Ingredient: 4-Nitro-1,3-Xylene (CAS: 89-87-2, Concentration: >98%)
Impurities: Benzene derivatives (≤0.5%), other methyl-nitrobenzenes (≤1%)
Molecular Formula: C8H9NO2
Molecular Weight: 151.16 g/mol
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; seek medical assistance if symptoms develop such as coughing, breathlessness, or dizziness; provide oxygen if needed.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with large volumes of water and mild soap; seek medical help if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart; consult an eye specialist urgently.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; contact poison control center or doctor immediately; keep victim under observation for signs of toxicity like vomiting, headache, or neurological symptoms.
Special Recommendations: Show this sheet to attending physician; symptomatic and supportive treatment necessary; monitor vital signs closely.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam; water spray only for cooling exposed containers.
Unsuitable Media: Avoid water jets as dust may spread.
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide on thermal decomposition; combusts readily if exposed to flames or high heat.
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear including positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus; non-sparking tools recommended.
Firefighting Instructions: Shut off sources of ignition; evacuate all non-essential personnel; isolate hazard area and keep out unprotected persons; use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers.
Explosion Risk: Dust clouds may cause explosions in confined spaces.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area; use protective clothing, gloves, and safety goggles; avoid breathing vapors or dust; ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent substance from entering drains, surface waters, or soil.
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled product with inert absorbent material (sand, earth, diatomaceous earth); use spark-proof tools; place in appropriate labeled containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water and detergent after cleaning up bulk material; ventilate area until air monitors confirm removal of vapors/dust.
Incident Reporting: Notify relevant emergency services and local authorities if major spill occurs or any environmental release is suspected.
Safe Handling: Use chemical fume hood for procedures generating vapor or dust; ground all equipment; avoid sources of ignition; practice good hygiene such as washing hands before eating and after handling.
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly sealed, original containers; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from heat and incompatible materials (oxidizers, strong acids); clearly label storage area with hazard symbols.
Storage Limits: Maintain minimal stock to reduce risk; segregate from food, beverages, and animal feed.
Special Instructions: Inspect containers regularly for signs of leakage, corrosion, or degradation.
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA/NIOSH PEL for 4-nitro-1,3-xylene; limit exposure to as low as reasonably achievable.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety shower, eyewash stations.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, side-shield safety goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, respiratory protection (N95 mask or respirator for high concentrations).
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash thoroughly before reuse; never eat, drink, or smoke while working with substance; handle in areas with proper safety signage and first aid supplies.
Environmental Controls: Use bunding and secondary containment for large containers.
Physical State: Solid (crystalline powder)
Color: Pale yellow
Odor: Mild aromatic
Melting Point: 71–77°C
Boiling Point: 284–285°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (ethanol, ether, chloroform)
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient conditions
Density: 1.23–1.25 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous solid)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.80
Flash Point: >100°C (closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: About 430°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; sensitive to strong oxidizing agents and acids.
Reactivity: May react violently with oxidizers such as peroxides; dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
Decomposition: Emits toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons) if overheated or involved in fire.
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, reducing agents, nitric acid, bases.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks, electrostatic discharge, moisture.
Acute Toxicity: Estimated LD50 (oral, rat) – 1,300 mg/kg; may be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.
Skin/Eye Irritation: Causes irritation, prolonged contact may trigger dermatitis or burns.
Respiratory Effects: Short-term exposure to dust or vapor may cause cough, chest tightness, headache.
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to organ toxicity (liver, kidneys, nervous system); genotoxic effects observed in lab tests.
Sensitization: Possible allergenic response in susceptible individuals.
Carcinogenicity: Classified by some authorities as a potential carcinogen; not listed under IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Other Effects: May impair fertility or harm the unborn child with repeated, long-term exposure.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; can cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly; moderate to high persistence in soil and water due to low solubility.
Bioaccumulation: Possibility of accumulation in aquatic species due to moderate log Kow.
Mobility in Soil: Limited by low water solubility; substance may bind to sediments.
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to contribute to ozone depletion or global warming potential.
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate or dispose of in licensed hazardous waste facility; follow local, state, and federal guidelines.
Product Disposal: Avoid direct discharge to sewers, land, or surface waters.
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly before recycling or disposal, or send to approved hazardous waste collection point.
Special Precautions: Consult waste management professionals before discarding; label all waste containers with chemical identity and hazards.
UN Number: 1663
UN Proper Shipping Name: Aromatic nitro compounds, solid, n.o.s. (Contains 4-Nitro-1,3-xylene)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
IMO/IMDG Code: Regulated as hazardous for sea transport
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure containers to prevent leakage or breakage; ensure transport vehicles are well-ventilated and labeled with proper hazard warnings; keep away from oxidants and food items.
TSCA Status: Listed in TSCA Inventory
EU REACH Registration: Registration required; substance with harmonized classification for environmental hazard
SARA Title III: Section 313 reportable substance
OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS Classification: D2B - Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
California Proposition 65: Not currently listed
Other Regulations: Subject to import/export controls in many countries; may require workplace exposure monitoring based on national regulations.