7915. Pseudocumene

Nomenclature

CAS number: 95-63-6
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene; pseudocumol; asymmetrical trimethylbenzene.
C9H12; mol wt 120.19.
C 89.94%, H 10.06%.

Description and references

Occurs in coal tar and in many petroleums. Physical properties: Hirschler, Falconer, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68, 210 (1946). Metabolism study: J. Huo et al., Xenobiotica 19, 161 (1989). GC/MS determn in serum: E. Kenndler et al., J. Anal. Toxicol. 13, 211 (1989). Neurotoxic effects of inhalation exposure: Z. Korsak, K. Rydzynski, Int. J. Occup. Med. Environ. Health 9, 341 (1996). Genotoxicity study: E. Janik-Spiechowicz et al., Mutat. Res. 412, 299 (1998).

Chemical structure

Properties

Liquid. d420 0.8761. bp 169-171°. mp -43.78° (Hirschler, Falconer). nD21 1.5044. Practically insol in water. Sol in alc, benzene, ether. Oxidation yields trimellitic anhydride. LD50 i.p. in male, female mice (mg/kg): 5000, 4100 (Janik-Spiechowicz).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; bronchitis; hypochromic anemia; headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, incoordination; vomiting, confusion; aspiration of liquid may cause chemical pneumonia. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 320.

Use

Sterilizing catgut by heating one hour at 160°; solvent in manuf dyes, perfumes and resins. Solvent for liquid scintillation counting solns.