Product Name: Benzyl Alcohol
Chemical Name: Phenylmethanol
CAS Number: 100-51-6
EC Number: 202-859-9
Recommended Use: Solvent, preservative, intermediate in chemical manufacturing, laboratory reagent
Supplier Name: Refer to packaging or purchase documentation
Contact Information: Emergency contact phone number and address supplied by manufacturer
Synonyms: alpha-Hydroxytoluene, Benzenecarbinol, Phenylcarbinol
UN Number: 1987
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral Category 4), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Acute Toxicity (Inhalation Category 4)
Label Elements: Exclamation mark pictogram, signal word “Warning”
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and respiratory protection. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Most Important Hazards: Toxic if inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation. Can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Physical Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor.
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, ingestion, inhalation.
Chemical Identity: Benzyl Alcohol
Purity: Approximately 99%
Impurities: Minor traces of related alcohols and aldehydes possible
Formula: C7H8O
Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
Concentration Range: Most commercial material at or above 99%
Eye Contact: Quickly rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to reach all surface. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with copious amounts of water and soap. If irritation persists, contact a physician.
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be administered by trained personnel. Seek immediate medical advice for continued respiratory symptoms.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting. Drink water only if the victim is fully conscious. Medical attention required for large swallowed amounts or persistent symptoms. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Recommendations for Immediate Medical Care: Symptoms such as respiratory distress, severe irritation, or confusion—rapid emergency attention is necessary.
Flammability: Liquid and vapor can ignite. Flash point at around 93°C (199°F, closed cup).
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water mist.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet. May spread fire; water spray is better for cooling.
Fire Hazards: Releases irritating and toxic gases upon combustion (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide). Vapors heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit required.
Special Procedures: Isolate hazard area. Use water spray to cool containers near flames.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ventilate area. Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, sewers, or waterways. Alert authorities if contamination occurs.
Containment: Stop leak if safe to do so. Absorb spills with inert material like sand or vermiculite, place in suitable container for disposal.
Cleanup Methods: Shovel absorbent material and dispose according to regulations. Clean remaining residue with water and detergent.
Secondary Hazards: Spills may create slip hazards on floors.
Handling: Ensure proper ventilation, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors or mist. No smoking, eating, or drinking near handling areas.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space—away from heat sources, open flames, or oxidizing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
Specific Usage Precautions: Use only non-sparking tools. Ground containers when transferring. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established specifically for benzyl alcohol, but minimize exposure per recommended industry practices.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, appropriate air filtration when vapor or mist generation possible.
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield.
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, laboratory coat or chemical-resistant apron.
Respiratory Protection: Chemical cartridge respirator or supplied air respirator if exposure limits may be exceeded.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild aromatic scent, similar to almonds
pH: Neutral (6.5–7.5 as a 10% solution)
Melting Point: -15°C (5°F)
Boiling Point: 205°C (401°F)
Flash Point: 93°C (199°F, closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than butyl acetate
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but can produce combustible vapors
Vapor Pressure: 0.14 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (Air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.045 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Moderately soluble (4g/100ml at 20°C)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.1
Viscosity: 5.7 mPa·s at 20°C
Decomposition Temperature: No decomposition if used as intended
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions.
Reactive with: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases.
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with reactive chemicals producing toxic gases.
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly phenol-containing vapors.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heating, ignition sources, unapproved mixing.
Polymerization: Product does not polymerize.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1230 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 2000 mg/kg. Inhalation LC50 (rat): >4.178 mg/L (4 hr).
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, ingestion, inhalation.
Symptoms: Skin/eye irritation, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, potential nausea, vomiting. High inhalation can depress respiratory system.
Chronic Effects: Extended or repeated contact can result in dermatitis or skin sensitization.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic in IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No evidence in current studies.
Reproductive Effects: No known reproductive toxicity.
Target Organ Effects: Central nervous system, respiratory system.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life. EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48h): 460 mg/L. LC50 (Fish, 96h): 10 mg/L (Pimephales promelas). Toxic to some micro-organisms.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, breaks down in water and soil.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential, log Kow suggests minimal accumulation in living organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Moderate. Possible groundwater contamination with large spills.
Other Adverse Effects: Do not discharge into environment or waterways.
Waste Treatment Methods: Small quantities: absorb onto inert material and dispose in government-approved waste facility. Large quantities: contact professional waste disposal service.
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and offer for recycling or disposal as approved by local, regional, or national authorities.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, storm drains, or bodies of water.
Regulatory Guidelines: Always consult local, state, and national requirements before disposal.
UN Number: 1987
UN Proper Shipping Name: Alcohols, n.o.s. (Benzyl Alcohol)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant as per IMDG guidelines
Special Transport Precautions: Containers should be upright, well-secured, and not exposed to direct sun or heat. Emergency procedures in case of spill or fire must be available.
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid placard or label as per DOT, IATA, IMDG.
OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated, but address respiratory and skin exposure under general duty clause.
TSCA: Listed on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act registry.
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Hazard categories: acute health, fire.
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting.
REACH Registration: Listed under European Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
Other Inventories: DSL (Canada), EINECS (EU), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia), and others.
Labeling Requirements: Compliant with GHS, local regulations in user’s jurisdiction.
Workplace Labeling: Must include product name, hazard symbols, precautionary statements.
