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Chemical Name: Phenylacetyl chloride
Chemical Formula: C8H7ClO
Physical Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid, sharp odor.
CAS Number: 103-80-0
Common Usage: Used in organic synthesis, specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates.
Distinctive Features: Volatile compound, tends to react when exposed to moisture, pungent smell that signals need for careful ventilation during use.
Hazard Class: Corrosive, dangerous for inhalation and contact.
Main Risks: Causes severe burns on skin and eyes, produces harmful gases like hydrogen chloride if exposed to water or heat, irritates respiratory system, can cause pulmonary harm on prolonged exposure.
Signal Word: Danger
Pictogram: Corrosion and exclamation mark, emphasizes the severity of exposure potential.
Health Effects: Short term: burning in nose, eyes, throat, coughing, shortness of breath. Long term: skin damage, potential sensitization.
Component: Phenylacetyl chloride
Concentration: Generally supplied in pure or highly concentrated form
Impurities: Trace moisture or unspecified byproducts from synthesis can trigger more intense reactivity, so careful testing before use makes sense.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air fast, monitor breathing, seek medical attention immediately if trouble persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected area with running water for at least 15 minutes, avoid scrubbing, medical help advised.
Eye Contact: Flush open eyes under lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids apart, seek medical attention right away.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting, give nothing by mouth if unconscious. Medical help is critical.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam; never use water.
Hazards from Combustion: Releases toxic and corrosive gases such as hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide.
Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear with self-contained breathing apparatus.
Additional Notes: Intense heat may lead to pressurized container rupture, thermal decomposition releases harmful fumes, so fight fire from a safe distance.
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, face mask, and suitable respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, or water bodies since spillage leads to hydrolysis and forms corrosive acids.
Cleanup Methods: Use inert absorbent material like sand or vermiculite, collect and seal in appropriate containers for safe disposal.
Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated area, set up containment barriers if possible.
Handling: Always use in a fume hood or well-ventilated space, avoid any skin contact, ground and bond containers to avoid static, close containers tightly when not in use.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed non-metallic containers, keep at cool temperature away from heat, open flame, and moisture, keep clearly labeled and separated from incompatible substances like water and alcohols.
Work Practices: Decontaminate work surfaces after use, train staff on risks and emergency response before allowing access.
Personal Protective Equipment: Splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (preferably nitrile or neoprene), full face shield, lab coat or chemical apron.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators if ventilation is limited, opt for full-face mask in heavy vapors.
Engineering Controls: Mechanical exhaust ventilation recommended, install local eye wash stations and safety showers in immediate area.
Environmental Controls: Regularly monitor and maintain ventilation and leak detection equipment, immediate spill cleanup to minimize risk.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to yellow oily liquid.
Odor: Penetrating, acrid scent.
Boiling Point: Around 233°C
Melting Point: Below room temperature (liquid at ambient conditions).
Solubility: Reacts briskly with water, forming phenylacetic acid and hydrochloric acid.
Vapor Pressure: Low, but sufficient to build vapors in confined space.
Density: About 1.18 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable when dry and kept away from humidity or moisture.
Reactivity: Vigorous reaction with water, alcohols, strong bases, and strong oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, amines, bases, oxidizers—should not be stored together.
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrolysis produces corrosive hydrochloric acid and phenylacetic acid, thermal breakdown gives off hazardous fumes.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion.
Acute Effects: Severe irritation leading to burns, blistering, and permanent tissue damage, especially eyes.
Chronic Effects: Repeat exposure can lead to sensitization, skin scarring, lung function reduction.
Toxicity Data: Classified as harmful by inhalation and contact, quick symptoms in unprotected settings.
Eco-Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms due to acidity and corrosiveness; can cause lasting damage to aquatic habitats when released.
Mobility: Spreads easily in water, reacts fast and leaves residual acid buildup.
Persistence: Reacts with water rapidly, forms persistent byproducts that acidify and pollute environments.
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to accumulate in living tissue but harmful at points of contact.
Recommended Methods: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste facility; do not pour down drain or general waste.
Precautions: Neutralize only in well-controlled, ventilated, and professionally supervised facilities due to potential heat and gas release.
Transport for Disposal: Ship in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers with clear labeling.
UN Number: 2502
Proper Shipping Name: Phenylacetyl chloride
Transport Class: 8 (Corrosive material), packing group II.
Handling in Transit: Isolate from moisture, acids, foodstuffs during shipping, upright and firmly secured containers only.
Spillage During Transport: Emergency response kits and training essential for drivers and handlers.
Control Status: Controlled as a hazardous chemical under many national and international regulations, including transport, workplace handling, and environmental release.
Labelling Requirements: Stringent, includes hazard pictograms, risk phrases, and instructions for immediate first aid response.
Worker Safety Laws: Employers hold responsibility for worker education, PPE availability, and regular safety training on dealing with corrosive organic chemicals.
Customs and Border: Tightly watched due to precursor nature, flagged in international trade.
