Material Safety Data Sheet: Methyl Toluene-4-Sulphonate

Identification

Product Name: Methyl Toluene-4-Sulphonate
Chemical Formula: C8H10O3S
Synonyms: 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid methyl ester, p-Toluenesulfonic acid methyl ester, Tosylmethyl ether
Recommended Use: Used in organic synthesis, chemical manufacturing, and laboratory reagent
Manufacturer: Detailed supplier information available from bulk chemical providers or laboratory supply companies
Emergency Contact Number: Local poison control center or chemical emergency hotline advised for use

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), Skin and eye irritation
Pictogram: Exclamation mark, corrosive symbol
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful if swallowed
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation can irritate mucous membranes, skin or eye contact triggers redness or swelling, ingestion may cause digestive tract discomfort
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, avoid breathing dust, wash contaminated clothing before reuse, use only with adequate ventilation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Methyl Toluene-4-Sulphonate
CAS Number: 80-48-8
EC Number: 201-283-5
Concentration: Purity typically above 97% for chemical use, balance composed of minor impurities
Impurities: Related sulfonates, unreacted toluene derivatives, trace solvents

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove exposed individuals from the contaminated area, avoid direct contact
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if necessary, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, see medical care for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, seek immediate medical advice for irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, get medical help at once
Most Important Symptoms: Irritated skin or eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea
Immediate Medical Attention: Vital for eye exposure or if breathing difficulty occurs

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for small fires, water spray recommended for larger fires
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets that may spread material
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic gases such as oxides of carbon, sulfur oxides on combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to flames, prevent firewater runoff from entering drains or surface water

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gear to avoid inhalation, contact with skin or eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, stop material from reaching sewers or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Use absorbent material (sand, earth) for small spills, sweep carefully, place in suitable disposal container, ventilate area thoroughly, decontaminate surfaces with cleaning solution

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing dust or vapors, wash hands after handling, minimize dust generation and accumulation
Safe Storage: Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated space away from incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers or acids
Storage Temperature: Store at room temperature, prevent excessive heat or direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Avoid oxidizers, strong bases, strong acids as they may trigger violent reactions

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood, ensure eyewash and safety showers on site
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or suitable protective clothing, suitable mask or respirator if exposure limits reached
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing promptly, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during work

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Slight aromatic odor
pH: Slightly acidic in water
Melting Point: Around 46-50°C (115-122°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents, slightly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Density: 1.26-1.30 g/cm3
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage, forms dust in finely divided state

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable at standard temperatures and pressures in closed containers
Conditions to Avoid: Heats above melting temperature, direct sunlight, moisture, open flames
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, strong acids or alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, methyl toluene byproducts, carbon oxides
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritation, possible upper respiratory tract irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may lead to dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rat): ~800 mg/kg, skin irritation: moderate, eye irritation: moderate to severe
Carcinogenicity: Data limited, not classified as carcinogen by IARC or NTP
Other Health Data: Not shown to be mutagenic or teratogenic in standard assays

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms with potential for long-term environmental effects in surface waters
Mobility: Low water solubility reduces mobility, tends to adsorb to sediments or suspended solids
Degradability: Slowly biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low to moderate based on partition coefficient data
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid contaminating water sources and soil with waste material

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of content and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Incineration: Suitable for controlled chemical incineration, avoid open burning
Landfill: Approved landfill facilities may accept solid residues not classified as hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Thoroughly clean containers before recycling, otherwise dispose as hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most chemical shipping codes
Proper Shipping Name: Methyl Toluene-4-Sulphonate, chemical substance
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for road, sea, or air; double-check current regulations
Packing Group: Use strong, sealed packaging to minimize dust formation
Special Precautions: Separate from strong oxidizers and foodstuffs during shipment, avoid rough handling

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Listed on chemical inventory databases in the US, EU, Japan, and Canada
OSHA Status: Not specifically listed as a hazardous chemical but subject to general chemical hygiene standards
REACH Status: Registered or preregistered under EC Regulation 1907/2006
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302, 304, or 313 reporting requirements
Other Standards: Users must comply with workplace safety and chemical storage guidelines for hazardous laboratory reagents
Labeling Requirements: Follow GHS pictograms, include hazard and precautionary statements, reference local hazard communication standards