Product Name: m-Xylenesulfonic Acid
Synonyms: 3-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid, Meta-Xylenesulfonic Acid
Chemical Formula: C8H10O3S
CAS Number: 88-15-3
Recommended Use: Intermediate in organic synthesis, dyes, resins, and surfactants
Supplier Contact Information: Name, address, phone number of manufacturer or distributor
GHS Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes, may cause respiratory irritation
Label Elements: Danger symbol, corrosive pictogram
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Do not breathe mist, vapors or spray. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing and eye/face protection.
Chemical Name: m-Xylenesulfonic Acid
Percentage: Greater than 98%
Impurities: Xylene sulfonic acid isomers (trace), sulfuric acid (trace)
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist—coughing, wheezing, or throat irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention for burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Lift eyelids occasionally. Seek prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Immediately seek medical attention
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Hazards from Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and organic compounds
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Prevent runoff to drains and waterways
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, use personal protective equipment; avoid inhaling vapors or contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways, sewers, basements, or confined areas
Cleanup Methods: Ventilate area. Absorb spilled liquid with inert material like sand or vermiculite. Collect and place into suitable containers for proper disposal. Wash area with water after cleanup. Do not return spilled material to original container
Safe Handling Practices: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not inhale mist or vapor. Work in a well-ventilated area. Use appropriate PPE. Wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong bases and oxidizers. Protect from moisture and heat sources
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limit for m-Xylenesulfonic Acid, control exposure as for corrosive substances
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, long-sleeved protective clothing, suitable respiratory protection if exposure limits exceeded (such as NIOSH-approved respirator for acid vapors)
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Mild aromatic odor
Melting Point: 105-110°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; forms acidic solutions
Molecular Weight: 186.23 g/mol
pH (solution): Acidic
Relative Density: Approximately 1.3 g/cm³
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, moisture, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, possibly irritating vapors
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Can cause severe burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust or vapor can irritate respiratory system
Skin Contact: Causes irritation and chemical burns. Prolonged exposure increases severity
Eye Contact: Severe irritation, risk of permanent eye injury
Ingestion: Burning of mouth, throat, and stomach. Risk of corrosive injury to GI tract
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis or respiratory issues
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or NTP as of current data
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life due to low pH and organic load
Persistence and Degradability: May undergo slow biodegradation in environment; acidification of water possible
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility; can move rapidly through soil and contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Acidic spills can damage soil microflora and aquatic ecosystems
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Avoid uncontrolled disposal to environment. Neutralize residues before discarding
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers, then puncture and discard according to local ordinances. Do not reuse empty containers for other purposes
UN Number: 2585
Proper Shipping Name: Arylsulfonic acids, solid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: III
Label Required: Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as a marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers tightly, avoid loading with incompatible goods, ensure emergency spill procedures are in place during transit
OSHA HazCom: Listed as hazardous
TSCA Status: Listed
Global Inventories: Included on major national chemical inventories such as EINECS, DSL, AICS, ENCS
EU Risk Phrases: R34 (Causes burns), R37 (Irritating to respiratory system)
Sara Title III – Section 313: Not listed as a reportable toxic chemical
Other International Regulations: Complies with key national standards for the transport and safety of corrosive solids
Workplace Labeling: Corrosive—ensure containers are labeled clearly with relevant hazard information
Restrictions: Not permitted for food, drug, or cosmetic use
