Substance Name: p-Toluene Sulfonic Acid
Synonyms: PTSA, p-Toluenesulfonic acid, 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid
Chemical Formula: C7H8O3S
CAS Number: 104-15-4
Recommended Use: Catalyst, chemical intermediate, dye manufacture
Manufacturer: Listed on packaging; contact for emergencies or specific formulations
Contact Information: Emergency phone number available through the site-specific safety program
Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes, may cause respiratory irritation, acute toxicity on ingestion and inhalation routes
GHS Label Elements: Corrosive pictogram, exclamation mark, signal word DANGER
Hazards: Causes severe burns to eyes, skin and digestive tract, respiratory hazards if inhaled
Potential Health Effects: Immediate burning of skin and mucous membranes, delayed scarring possible, can aggravate preexisting respiratory conditions
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life due to acidity
Chemical Name: p-Toluene Sulfonic Acid
Concentration: 98-100% for anhydrous form, hydrate variant may contain up to 10% water
Impurities: May contain minor impurities like benzenesulfonic acid derivatives
CAS Number: 104-15-4
EC Number: 203-180-0
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing if needed, seek medical attention immediately
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing, flush affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, cover with sterile gauze, do not apply ointments
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if possible, medical attention required
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help right away
Delayed Effects: Burns may develop over time, watch for blistering, respiratory discomfort, seek appropriate care
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam, avoid water streams on substance itself
Hazardous Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes including sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters require full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Hazards: Strong irritant and corrosive vapors, runoff from fire control may cause environmental damage
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles and safety suit, avoid breathing dust or vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface or ground water, soil
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep up carefully and collect in suitable containers, neutralize residues with sodium bicarbonate or lime, ventilate area well
Spillage: Use appropriate absorbents for liquid spills, do not touch with bare hands, dispose through certified waste handlers
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water after initial removal
Handling: Use only inside chemical fume hoods or well-ventilated areas, keep containers tightly closed, avoid contact with strong bases or oxidizers, never touch with wet hands as heat may be generated
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from oxidizing agents, store in corrosion-resistant containers made of glass, carbon steel or certain plastics, avoid storing with food or alongside flammable materials
Packaging: Keep original container tightly sealed, label must be readable at all times
Additional Information: Keep material dry to avoid potential for violent exothermic reaction
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA PEL, limit to lowest practical exposure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood, maintain good housekeeping
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), safety goggles, lab coat, face shield if risk of spraying
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator in absence of ventilation or for high concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near work area
Environmental exposure controls: Do not let chemical enter drains, surface water, or soil
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Faintly aromatic
Odor Threshold: Not easily detectable
pH: < 1 for concentrated solutions
Melting Point: 106-110°C (anhydrous)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 185°C
Flash Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Solubility: Very soluble in water, alcohol, acetone
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Density: 1.24 g/cm³ at 20°C
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, deliquescent in humid air; known to cause rapid corrosion of metals
Chemical Stability: Stable if kept dry and stored properly
Conditions to Avoid: Moist or humid conditions, heat above melting point, incompatible storage
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, reactive metals like sodium, strong reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides, irritating organic vapors
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize spontaneously
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral in rats 1410 mg/kg; corrosive to mucous membranes, ingestion causes severe burns
Skin Irritation: Causes severe burns and ulceration
Eye Damage: Causes serious damage, blindness with direct exposure
Inhalation Risks: Respiratory tract irritation, cough, difficulty breathing, risk of pulmonary edema with prolonged or high exposures
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure leads to dermatitis, asthma-like symptoms
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, ACGIH
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence found during standard assays
Additional Information: Acceptable exposure should be kept as low as possible due to strong corrosive effects
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms by lowering pH of water bodies
Persistence: Readily degradable in the environment, will neutralize when diluted, but rapid acidification can damage local habitats
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility: High solubility increases mobility, spills spread quickly in aquatic systems
Other Environmental Effects: Alters characteristics of soil and water, proper containment prevents harmful run-off
Waste Treatment Methods: Neutralize aqueous solutions with soda ash or lime prior to disposal, collect solids and contaminated packaging as hazardous waste
Disposal Containers: Use corrosion-resistant, sealed containers clearly marked as hazardous material
Local Regulations: Follow all national, state and local regulations for acid waste, contact licensed waste management company
Precautions: Never pour down drains or flush with large quantities of water without proper neutralization and regulatory approval
UN Number: UN 2585
Proper Shipping Name: p-Toluenesulfonic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Label Needed: Corrosive label required
Transport Regulations: Ground, air and sea shipments fall under ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA, applicable depending on region
Special Precautions: Keep segregated from foods, strong oxidizers, avoid temperature extremes in storage or transport
Spillage During Transport: Refer to emergency spill response guidelines in MSDS, alert authorities as required
OSHA: Classified hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on the United States TSCA inventory
WHMIS (Canada): Classified D2B - Toxic, E - Corrosive
REACH (EU): Registered, subject to restrictions for certain uses
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed, but strong acids covered by reporting requirements
Other Regulations: Compliant with chemical hazard communication programs, requires safety training before use by workers
Labeling Requirements: Must include hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements according to GHS
