Material Safety Data Sheet for 2-Toluenesulfonic Acid

Identification

Product Name: 2-Toluenesulfonic Acid
Synonyms: o-Toluenesulfonic Acid, o-Toluensulfonic Acid, o-Toluol Sulfonic Acid
CAS Number: 88-20-0
EC Number: 201-810-4
Recommended Use: Chemical synthesis, catalyst, intermediary in organic chemistry
Manufacturer Details: Supplier information provided on request
Emergency Contact: Refer to local country poisoning information center

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes; Irritant to respiratory tract
GHS Label Elements: Danger symbol, Corrosive pictogram
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, eye protection, avoid contact with skin, do not breathe dust or mist
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Symptoms: Burning sensation, pain, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 2-Toluenesulfonic Acid
Molecular Formula: C7H8O3S
Molecular Weight: 172.20 g/mol
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities: Typical trace sulfonated toluene derivatives, water content below 1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air without delay, seek medical attention if symptoms persist, provide oxygen if available
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area thoroughly with water and soap for at least 15 minutes, immediate medical consultation required
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with running water for at least 20 minutes, keep eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present, obtain urgent medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, bring patient to emergency care
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Corrosive damage, burns, respiratory distress, severe pain
Immediate Medical Attention: Necessary for all routes of exposure due to corrosive nature

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet on burning liquid may cause spread
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, irritating fumes and gases
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Chemical splash suit, positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Contact with metals may produce hydrogen gas, which can form explosive mixtures
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire zone, cool container with water spray if possible without risk

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate room, wear chemical resistant clothing—gloves, goggles, face shield, and suitable respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, avoid entry into drains, surface water, and soil
Methods for Clean-Up: Neutralize spill with a dilute alkali like sodium carbonate under strict supervision, collect spillage in properly labeled containers for hazardous waste disposal
Disposal: Dispose through licensed hazardous chemical waste contractor
Decontamination: Wash spill area with copious amount of water, monitor site for residue

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in fume hood or well-ventilated area, avoid inhalation, ingestion or contact with skin and eyes, practice strict hygiene measures
Storage Conditions: Store in corrosion-resistant containers, keep tightly closed, segregated from bases, oxidizers, and foodstuffs
Incompatible Materials: Alkalis, strong bases, oxidizers, strong reducing agents, reactive metals
Preventive Measures: Use closed system for transfers, avoid generating dust, label container clearly
Technical Controls: Use tray or secondary containment to catch leaks or spills

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limit not established, minimize exposure to the lowest reasonably achievable
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are nearby
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles with side shields, full-face shield, lab coat or chemical apron, suitable respiratory protection for dust or fume
Workplace Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating or drinking in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, characteristic aromatic odor
Odor Threshold: Not defined
pH (1% solution): Acidity of around 1-2
Melting Point: 103-107°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes without boiling
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant for solid
Flammability: Non-flammable under standard conditions
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water and many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not established
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with strong bases, may attack metals producing flammable hydrogen gas
Materials to Avoid: Strong bases, oxidizers, reducing agents, some metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur dioxide, oxides of carbon
Polymerization: Not reported to occur
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, contact with incompatible materials

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) about 2480 mg/kg; can cause severe irritation and burns to mucous membranes
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns with prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irreversible injury, potential for blindness
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation can result in coughing, shortness of breath, potential for airway chemical burns
Chronic Effects: No known data on carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity
Sensitization: Not reported

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, can lower water pH and cause acute toxicity in organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Quite stable in environment, biodegradability uncertain
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential due to water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Expected to remain primarily in water phase
Other Adverse Effects: Acidification of water bodies possible, avoid uncontrolled release

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Treat as hazardous waste, do not dispose in general waste stream
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate containers prior to disposal, triple rinse and remove labels
Disposal Routes: Incineration or chemical neutralization through licensed contractor, comply with local environmental regulations
Precautions: Wear adequate protection, prevent accidental release to drains, notify local waste authorities if uncertain

Transport Information

UN Number: 2585
UN Proper Shipping Name: o-Toluenesulfonic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive, with appropriate hazard pictograms
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Use well-sealed containers, secure cargo from movement, check for local restrictions

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: TSCA listed; subject to OSHA workplace safety rules, right-to-know regulations in several states
EU Regulations: Covered by REACH regulation; CLP classification—Skin Corr. 1B; Eye Dam. 1
International Lists: Listed on Canada DSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, Korea ECL, China IECSC
SARA Title III: Contains no substances subject to reporting under Section 313
WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), E (Corrosive Material)
Chemical Safety Assessment: Handled only by trained personnel; risk of severe injury and environmental damage demands strict compliance with government, local, and site-specific standards