Nomenclature
CAS number: 108-88-3
Methylbenzene; toluol; phenylmethane; Methacide.
C
7H
8; mol wt 92.14.
C 91.25%, H 8.75%.
Description and references
Obtained mainly from tar oil. Review of mfg
processes: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial
Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience,
New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 822-830. Solubility: F. P. Schwarz, Anal. Chem. 52, 10 (1980). Myelotoxic
potential: L. Greenburg et al., J. Am. Med. Assoc. 118, 573 (1942). Comparison
with benzene of effects on hematopoiesis and bone marrow metabolism:
H. W. Gerarde, AMA Arch. Ind. Health 13, 468 (1956). Acute toxicity: H. F. Smyth et
al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969). Evaluation of chronic occupational exposure:
H. Tahti et al., Int. Arch. Occup.
Environ. Health 48, 61 (1981). Review: M. C. Hoff in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology vol. 23 (Wiley-Interscience,
New York, 3rd ed., 1983) pp 246-273. Review of reproductive toxicity:
J. M. Donald et al., Environ.
Health Perspect. 94, 237-244 (1991); of toxicology
and human exposure: Toxicological Profile
for Toluene (PB2000-108028, 2000) 357 pp.
Properties
Refractive liq; benzene-like odor. Flammable. d420 0.866. mp 95°. bp 110.6°. nD20 1.4967.
Flash pt, closed cup: 40°F (4.4°C). Soly in water at 23.5°C (w/w):
0.067%. Very slightly sol in water; misc with alc, chloroform, ether,
acetone, glacial acetic acid, carbon disulfide. LD50 orally in rats: 7.53 g/kg (Smyth).Caution
Readily absorbed by inhalation,
ingestion and somewhat by skin contact. Direct contact may cause
severe dermatitis due to drying and defatting action. May present
lung aspiration hazard if ingested. Potential symptoms of acute overexposure
by inhalation may include local irritation; CNS excitation and depression.
Low concentrations may result in transitory mild upper respiratory
tract irritation, mild eye irritation, lacrimation, metallic taste,
slight nausea, hilarity, lassitude, drowsiness and impaired balance.
High concentrations may cause paresthesia, vision disturbances, dizziness,
nausea, headache, narcosis and collapse; death from respiratory failure
or sudden ventricular fibrillation. Chronic overexposure by inhalation
has been associated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Syndromes
following chronic inhallation involve severe muscle weakness, cardiac
arrhythmias, gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric complaints. See Patty's Industrial Hygiene and
Toxicology vol. 2B, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton,
Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1994) pp 1326-1332; Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin et al., Eds. (Williams & Wilkins,
Baltimore, 5th ed., 1984) Section II, p 153, Section III, p 397-404.Use
In manuf benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, explosives,
dyes, and many other organic compds; as a solvent for paints, lacquers,
gums, resins; thinner for inks, perfumes, dyes; in the extraction
of various principles from plants; as gasoline additive.