Material Safety Data Sheet: Cresolsulfonic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Cresolsulfonic Acid
Chemical Family: Aromatic sulfonic acid derivative
Synonyms: Cresylic acid sulfonic acid, Sulfonated cresol
CAS Number: 1330-80-9
Molecular Formula: C7H8O4S
Recommended Use: Organic synthesis, chemical manufacture, surfactant, cleaning agent
Supplier: Industrial chemical distributors and specialty chemical suppliers
Contact Numbers (24hr): Local poison control center, emergency services

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Severe skin burns, serious eye damage, possible respiratory irritation, hazardous to aquatic environments
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Corrosion, exclamation mark, environment
Description of Hazards: Exposure leads to strong corrosive damage on contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Fumes may irritate lungs and nasal passages. Prolonged exposure harms aquatic organisms.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid direct contact, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces, wear protection, prevent release into waterways.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cresolsulfonic Acid (CAS 1330-80-9): 94-98%
Water: 2-6%
Impurities: Phenol derivatives, less than 0.5%
Stabilizers: None reported

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Give oxygen if breathing becomes difficult. Remove contaminated clothing and keep warm. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Immediately flush exposed skin with large amounts of running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 30 minutes, lifting eyelids constantly. Do not allow victim to rub eyes.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water only if conscious. Drink plenty of water. Get emergency medical help.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Burning pain, redness, blistering, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, vision loss.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet (risk of splatter)
Specific Hazards: Decomposes under fire conditions, liberating toxic fumes like sulfur oxides, phenol vapors
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Keep containers cool, use water spray to disperse vapors, avoid runoff into drainage or sewers.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, wear full acid-resistant clothing, face shield, chemical splash goggles, rubber gloves, and boots
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to drains, sewers, or surface water reservoirs
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spills with dry non-combustible material such as sand or earth, prevent dust, avoid use of sawdust or organic absorbents. Neutralize using sodium bicarbonate or lime before collection. Collect material in tightly sealed containers for proper disposal.
Emergency Procedures: Ventilate spill area, restrict access until cleanup is complete, do not allow product to contact water bodies.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use non-sparking tools, avoid splashes and generation of aerosols, handle within chemical fume hood if possible. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where chemical is used, wash hands after handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers, away from moisture, heat, and incompatible materials such as strong bases or oxidizers. Use secondary containment. Temperature control between 5-30°C.
Incompatibles: Strong alkalies (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide), oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid), metals (risk of hydrogen evolution)

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV; limit workplace exposure by engineering controls.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hoods, and process enclosures to reduce concentration in air.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash-resistant goggles, face shield, heavy-duty acid-resistant gloves, laboratory coat or acid-resistant apron, NIOSH-approved respirator for mists and vapors, work boots.
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing before entering eating or rest areas, clean work area regularly, wash hands and face thoroughly after handling.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dark brown to reddish oily liquid or semi-solid
Odor: Sharp phenolic
pH (1% solution): Below 1.0 (strongly acidic)
Melting Point: 30-40°C (varies with grade)
Boiling Point: Above 130°C (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Vapor Pressure: Very low at 20°C
Solubility (water): Miscible with water, exothermic dissolution
Density: 1.25–1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: Varies depending on water content
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Data not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C (sulfur oxides and phenol vapors evolve)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Product remains stable in cool, dry, tightly sealed containers away from incompatible substances.
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with strong bases, oxidizers, reducing agents, and some metals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Releases toxic fumes of sulfur dioxide, phenol, carbon oxides upon combustion or thermal breakdown.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, moisture, contact with metals and bases.

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Symptoms: Corrosive to skin and eye tissue, risk of severe burns, permanent eye damage, severe pain, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema after significant inhalation exposure.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact can cause skin sensitization, persistent irritation, possible respiratory tract injury.
Toxicity Data: LD50 Oral (rat): 260 mg/kg; LD50 Dermal (rabbit): 580 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable human data available
Mutagenicity: No reported mutagenic effects

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life; spills or runoff cause fish kills and long-lasting harm to aquatic ecosystems.
Persistence and Degradability: Sulfonated aromatic rings resist biodegradation; persists in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; compound remains mostly in water phase, limited uptake in biological organisms
Mobility in Soil: High solubility, likely to migrate through soil to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: All discharges require careful control; environmental agencies should be notified for significant spills

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and neutralize carefully with alkaline materials under properly ventilated conditions.
Disposal of Product: Dispose of as hazardous waste following all local, regional, and national regulations.
Disposal of Packaging: Empty containers must be triple rinsed, then disposed of as hazardous material. Do not reuse packaging.
Special Precautions: Do not discharge untreated into drains or natural waterways.

Transport Information

UN Number: 2585
Proper Shipping Name: Cresolsulfonic Acid, Liquid
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Corrosive (black/white), Environmental Hazard (where applicable)
Transport Precautions: Transport in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers, keep upright, segregate from bases, oxidizers, and foodstuffs.
Regulatory Notes: Carrier should be made aware of the nature of the cargo; compliance with DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA rules required.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
EPA Status: CERCLA listed; reportable quantities; SARA Title III, Section 313 inventory reporting applies
TSCA: Listed in US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EU Regulations: Classified as corrosive and environmentally hazardous under CLP (Regulation EC 1272/2008)
Other International Regulations: Complies with Canada Domestic Substances List and Australia AICS
Labeling Requirements: Use GHS pictograms and statements, hazard warnings, precautionary advice
Other Considerations: Consult regional authorities for additional handling, storage, exposure, and disposal controls.