Chemical Name: Mesitylene
Chemical Formula: C9H12
Synonyms: 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene
Common Use: Solvent, intermediate in chemical synthesis
Appearance: Colorless liquid with aromatic odor
CAS Number: 108-67-8
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritant, Harmful to aquatic life
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, Causes mild eye irritation, May cause drowsiness or dizziness, Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Label Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark, Environment
Component: 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene (Mesitylene)
Concentration: Typically 99% or higher in commercial products
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical help if breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention
Fire Hazards: Forms explosive mixtures with air, vapors spread along ground and ignite at distance
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unusual Fire Hazards: Container can rupture or explode under intense heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, keep away from sources of ignition, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Contain spill with inert absorbent material like sand, collect in sealed container for disposal, use non-sparking tools
Safe Handling: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, keep away from flames or anything that creates sparks, avoid breathing vapor, prevent static discharge
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers, out of sunlight, in cool dry areas, keep away from oxidizers and acids, ground storage containers to prevent static
Permissible Limits: Avoid exceeding recommended workplace exposure limits based on local regulations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or explosion-proof ventilation to keep vapor below limits
Personal Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and approved respirator for vapor
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly post-use, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Distinct aromatic scent
Boiling Point: About 164°C
Melting Point: -44°C
Flash Point: Around 48°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Roughly 1.3 kPa at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, mixes with organic solvents
Density: About 0.864 g/cm³ at 20°C
Stability: Stable under normal conditions, sensitive to strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, peroxides, oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: May form peroxides on extended exposure to air
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other aromatic compounds during burning
Acute Toxicity: Minimal toxicity on short-term exposure; high vapor levels may irritate respiratory tract and cause drowsiness
Skin and Eye Irritation: Repeated or prolonged skin exposure may cause dryness, redness, mild eye irritation
Chronic Exposure: Long-term inhalation could affect liver and kidneys
Sensitization: No clear evidence
Other Risks: No proven human carcinogenicity with mesitylene, though long-term health data remain limited
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms with potential for long-lasting effects
Persistence: Does not easily degrade in water or soil
Bioaccumulation: May accumulate in aquatic life
Mobility: Low mobility in soil, but floats on water surface
Waste Disposal: Consult local, regional, and national regulations for incineration or chemical waste treatment
Packaging: Empty containers can hold residue fumes, handle with care, recycle if possible, avoid direct disposal in environment
UN Number: 3295
Proper Shipping Name: Hydrocarbons, liquid, n.o.s. (Mesitylene)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright and secured, transport in covered vehicles, shield from sources of heat
Labeling Requirements: Follow flammable liquid and harmful substance symbols
Workplace Restrictions: Subject to national chemical safety and workplace hazard regulations
Environmental Protection: Includes restrictions on discharge to water and requirements for air emissions control
Community Right-to-Know: Listed in many national chemical inventories, reported as part of community hazard communication programs