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Name: Benzyl Chloride
Chemical Formula: C7H7Cl
Synonyms: Alpha-chlorotoluene, Phenylmethyl chloride
Physical Form: Colorless, oily liquid with a sharp, pungent odor
Uses: Key ingredient in manufacturing dyes, pharmaceuticals, resins, and plastics
CAS Number: 100-44-7
Classification: Extremely hazardous to human health, causing burns and severe irritation on contact
Health Risks: Severe eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation; corrosive; may cause genetic defects; breathing vapors can damage lungs
Signal Word on Label: Danger
Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute Toxicity, Environmental Hazard
Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Main Ingredient: Benzyl Chloride (concentration above 99%)
Impurities: May contain trace toluene, hydrochloric acid, or related chlorinated toluenes
Molecular Weight: 126.59 g/mol
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air; seek immediate medical help; can trigger pulmonary edema
Skin Contact: Rinse skin immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothes; medical attention essential
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes, lifting eyelids completely; immediate doctor consultation crucial
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, but do not induce vomiting; get medical aid right away
Fire Hazards: Flammable vapors may develop if heated above flash point
Suitable Extinguishing Methods: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol foam; water spray to cool containers, not for direct fire on spill
Special Instructions: Responders should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Combustion Products: Phosgene, hydrogen chloride fumes may form and pose fatal risks
Personal Precautions: Protective equipment mandatory—chemical splash goggles, butyl rubber gloves, impervious clothing, positive pressure respirator
Environmental Measures: Stop leak if safe; prevent from entering drains or water sources
Clean-Up Techniques: Absorb spill onto inert material like sand; collect waste in labeled drums; ventilate area thoroughly
Handling: Work only in chemical fume hood or ventilated area; avoid skin, eye, and clothing contact; containers kept tightly closed
Storage: Store at room temperature in cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep away from oxidizers, strong bases, and strong acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidants, alkalis, amines, moist air or water
Special Storage Notes: Use corrosion-proof containers; check integrity regularly
Workplace Exposure Limit: Strictly regulated; OSHA sets permissible exposure limit at 1 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average)
Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation required
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH-approved respirator, splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant lab coats, butyl gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after working with Benzyl Chloride; do not eat or drink nearby
Appearance: Transparent, oily liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent, tear-inducing odor
Boiling Point: Approximately 179°C
Melting Point: -39°C
Flash Point: 63°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; mixes easily with alcohol and ether
Vapor Density: Over 4 (air = 1)
Vapor Pressure: 1.3 mmHg at 20°C
Stability: Remains stable under recommended conditions
Reactive With: Strong bases, alkalis, water, amines
Hazardous Reactions: Hydrolyzes to form benzyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid; violent with moisture, generating heat and acid fumes
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, carbon oxides
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize dangerously
Acute Exposure Risks: Significant skin burns, eye and respiratory tract damage, risk of delayed lung injury
Chronic Exposure Risks: Evidence links long-term exposure to genetic mutations and possible cancers
Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, difficulty breathing, nausea, headache, skin and eye blistering
Carcinogenicity: Classified as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by NTP, and “possibly carcinogenic” by IARC
Sensitization: Can trigger allergic skin reaction on repeated exposure
Environmental Fate: Not readily biodegradable; persists and bioaccumulates in aquatic environments
Effects on Wildlife: Lethal to fish and aquatic invertebrates at low concentrations; toxic byproducts may disrupt habitats
Mobility: Spills contaminate soil, ground, and surface waters; vapor poses hazard through air deposition
Wastewater Concerns: Municipal treatment systems struggle to break down benzyl chloride effectively
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in licensed chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber to neutralize acidic gases
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, then send to specialized chemical disposal facility
Prohibitions: Do not release to sewers, surface water, or open drains
Classification: Designated as a dangerous good under transport regulations
Labels Required: Corrosive, poison, environmentally hazardous substance labels
Packing Group: Packing Group II, indicating significant risk during transit
UN Number: Often shipped under UN 1738
Precautions: Secure tightly, upright; ventilated transport; spill kits and neutralizers required on hand
Workplace Regulation: Subject to strict occupational exposure limits by OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH
Environmental Laws: Listed under the U.S. Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act as a toxic pollutant; monitored under European REACH and CLP regulations
Global Trade Controls: Production, import, and use tightly controlled in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific due to recognized cancer risk
Reporting Requirements: Accidental releases require timely notification to environmental authorities and substantial response efforts
