MSDS for 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid

Identification

Product Name: 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid
Chemical Formula: C6H6O4S
Synonyms: p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic Acid, para-Phenolsulfonic Acid
CAS Number: 98-67-9
Recommended Use: Used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis
Supplier Information: Street address and contact number of manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Phone: Emergency telephone for chemical incidents

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes, may cause severe irritation on contact
GHS Label Elements: Danger pictogram, Signal word "Danger"
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed, may cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gear, use proper ventilation, avoid inhalation of vapors or dust
Other Hazards: Attacks mucous membranes, toxic to aquatic organisms if large amounts spill

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 4-Phenolsulfonic Acid
Content: Greater than 98 percent purity, trace impurities below 2 percent
Ingredient Percentages: p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic Acid (CAS 98-67-9): 98-100%
Other Components: Small residual water, trace organic impurities

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse area immediately with plenty of water, wash gently with soap, seek medical advice for irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, seek immediate medical attention
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep comfortable, support breathing if needed, obtain medical advice if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water only if person is conscious, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek prompt medical care

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, toxic fumes
Special Protective Actions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protection
Specific Hazards: Releases corrosive and toxic gases under fire conditions
Additional Advice: Use water spray to cool containers, keep away from runoff that could contaminate waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering sewers or waterways, contain spill with absorbent material
Cleanup Methods: Neutralize with dilute alkaline material, absorb with inert material like sand or vermiculite, collect residue in suitable container for proper disposal
Ventilation: Increase air exchange near contaminated area, evacuate non-essential personnel

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, wear protective gear, wash thoroughly after handling, keep containers tightly closed when not in use
Storage: Store in corrosion-resistant tightly sealed containers, keep away from bases, oxidizers, and strong reducing agents, maintain storage area cool, dry, and well ventilated, label containers clearly
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, oxidizing materials, reducing agents, moisture—it may degrade

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits, minimize exposure by using engineering controls
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation, safety shower and eyewash nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), goggles and face shield, full protective clothing, respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved) if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly, do not eat or drink near work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Off-white to yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Mild aromatic odor
pH: Strongly acidic in aqueous solution
Melting Point: 105–110°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Density: About 1.6 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not significant under ambient conditions
Molecular Weight: 174.18 g/mol

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions, humid air or water accelerates decomposition
Reactivity: Reacts with bases, strong oxidizing agents, and reducing agents, corrosive to metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, phenolic compounds
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize
Conditions to Avoid: Humid storage conditions, exposure to strong alkalis or oxidizers, high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Causes severe skin and eye burns, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, symptoms may include pain, redness, coughing, difficulty breathing
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure causes dermatitis or respiratory tract damage, may aggravate existing lung or skin conditions
Carcinogenicity: No data available to indicate carcinogenic potential in humans
Other Effects: Persistent exposure may lead to sensitization in susceptible individuals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations, may cause local pH shifts leading to ecosystem disruption
Mobility: Readily dissolved in water, may move through soil
Persistence: Expected to degrade over time but can contribute to acidification
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to accumulate in organisms
Other Adverse Effects: Spills into waterways can lower pH, harming plants and animals

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Neutralize residual acid, collect for hazardous waste disposal according to local, state, and federal regulations
Empty Containers: Rinse thoroughly before discarding, dispose as hazardous waste
Unused Product: Handled through licensed chemical disposal contractor
Precautions: Do not allow material to reach drains or the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2585
Proper Shipping Name: Phenolsulfonic Acid, Solid
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazard: Not classified as marine pollutant in small quantities, but minimize risk
Special Precautions: Secure package well, segregate from bases and oxidizers, provide emergency response procedures in case of accident

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as a hazardous substance
TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EPA Regulations: Subject to hazardous waste requirements, RCRA regulatory guidance for acid solutions
Other National Inventories: Listed in REACH and other chemical inventories where applicable
Workplace Labeling: Must indicate corrosive hazard and provide emergency contact instructions
Right-to-Know Regulations: States may require notification or additional labeling, check local requirements