Nomenclature
CAS number: 8001-58-9
Coal tar creosote.
Description and references
A distillate of coal tar produced by high temp
carbonization of bituminous coal. Constit. Liq and solid
aromatic hydrocarbons, tar acids (up to 3%) and tar bases. History
and composition: Roche, J. For. Prod. Res.
Soc. 2, 75 (1952). Characterization by GLC:
F. H. M. Nestler, Anal. Chem. 46, 46 (1974). GC-MS analysis in treated railroad ties:
W. Rotard, W. Mailahn, ibid. 59, 65 (1987). Review of constituents, uses and carcinogenic
risk: IARC Monographs 35, 83-159 (1985); of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Wood Creosote, Coal Tar Creosote,
Coal Tar, Coal Tar Pitch, and Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles (PB2003-100136, 2002) 394 pp.
Properties
Translucent brown to black, oily liq. Flammable.
Characteristic sharp, penetrating smoky odor; burning caustic taste.
Heavier than water. Typical specification: d15.538.0 1.06. Distillation ranges: Up to 210° not >5%; up to 235° not >25%
nor <5%; up to 270° not <20%; up to 355° not >85% nor <60%.
Flash pt 165°F (75°C); ignition temp 637°F (335°C). Practically insol in water.Caution
Readily absorbed through GI tract
and skin. Potential symptoms following oral overexposure are intense
GI irritation and congestion. Symptoms of systemic poisoning include
salivation, vomiting, respiratory difficulties, thready pulse, vertigo,
headache, loss of pupillary reflexes, hypothermia, cyanosis and mild
convulsions. Direct contact may cause skin, eye or mucous membrane
irritation, burning and itching, erythema, papular and vesicular eruptions,
keratoconjunctivitis. See Patty's
Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Vol. 2B, G.
D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York, 4th ed., 1994) pp 1602-1605. Coal tar and coal tar pitches
are listed as known human carcinogens: Report
on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004)
p III-68.Use
Wood preservative, disinfectant, insecticide.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Has been used as an anthelmintic.