Product Name: P-Xylenesulfonic Acid
Synonyms: 4-Xylenesulfonic acid, para-Xylenesulfonic acid
CAS Number: 98-64-6
Recommended Use: Intermediate in organic synthesis, catalyst, surfactant additive, specialty chemical manufacturing
Supplier: Contact designated chemical supplier
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to regional poison control center or company emergency hotline
Hazard Classification: Corrosive, skin and eye irritant, harmful if swallowed
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. Harmful if ingested. Potential for allergic skin reaction
Pictograms: Corrosion, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, face protection. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe dust or fumes. Wash hands and exposed body thoroughly after handling. In case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection
Chemical Identity: P-Xylenesulfonic acid
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 98-64-6
Molecular Formula: C8H10O3S
Molecular Weight: 186.23 g/mol
Impurities: May contain trace xylene derivatives, moisture content possible depending on storage
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, move to fresh air. Administer assisted breathing if not breathing. Seek medical attention immediately for signs of respiratory distress, coughing, or chest discomfort.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water for fifteen minutes or more. Seek prompt medical advice for persistent irritation or burns.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes continuously with water for at least fifteen minutes while holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses after initial flushing. Seek urgent medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. If person is conscious, give small amounts of water. Never give anything by mouth to someone unconscious. Obtain immediate professional medical assistance.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO2. Avoid high-pressure water jets
Specific Hazards: Decomposition may produce toxic gases such as sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Releases dense, irritating fumes under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and products of combustion. Contain and collect runoff to prevent contamination of water bodies and drains
Personal Precautions: Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate area if large quantities are spilled. Avoid breathing vapors or dust. Prevent contact with eyes and skin
Protective Equipment: Use chemical-resistant gloves, full body coveralls, rubber boots, safety goggles, and face shield
Environmental Precautions: Prevent waste from entering water bodies, sewers, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spillage with inert material such as sand or earth. Shovel into suitable labeled chemical waste containers for disposal. Wash spill area with water and detergent after collection. Dispose of contaminated materials following local environmental regulations
Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area equipped with local exhaust. Avoid all unnecessary contact. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. Remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, ventilated areas. Separate from strong bases, oxidizing agents, and combustibles. Protect from moisture, heat, and sources of ignition. Keep container properly labeled and away from incompatible chemicals
Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA threshold limit values, but minimize exposure to dust, mist, or aerosol
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation and process enclosure to control airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation, respiratory protection such as NIOSH-approved respirator is recommended. Eye-wash stations and emergency showers should be available nearby. Practice good industrial hygiene, wash hands after handling
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Slight aromatic odor
pH (1% solution): Strongly acidic, approximately 1-2
Melting Point: 110–115°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, soluble in alcohols
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.35–1.45 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not significantly bioaccumulative
Stability in Solvents: Stable in most organic solvents, hydrolyzes slowly in water
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended use and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong oxidizers, alkalis, reducing agents, materials that react exothermically with acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides released under fire or high temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, contact with moisture, strong bases, fire or ignition sources
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal handling conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Estimated oral LD50 (rat): 700–1200 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns and blisters on contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irreversible eye injury
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust or vapor may cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, wheezing
Chronic Effects: May cause persistent dermatitis, possible sensitization in susceptible individuals
Carcinogenic Status: Not classified as a known or probable human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Effects: Prolonged exposure may damage mucous membranes; ingestion can result in gastrointestinal corrosion
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms with potential long-term effects on aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by soil and microorganisms under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to high water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Readily migrates in water, persistent in soil without natural decomposition
Other Adverse Effects: Acidification of water may disturb ecological balance; large spills could affect aquatic life and drinking water sources
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to national and local regulations for hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers several times before discarding. Dispose of containers via authorized chemical waste service
Reuse and Recycling: Recycling not generally recommended due to hazard risk
Special Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, surface waters, or soil. Keep waste segregated from incompatible chemicals
UN Number: UN2585
UN Proper Shipping Name: Arylsulfonic acids, solid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive Substance)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant, but avoid uncontrolled release into waterways
Transportation Precautions: Ship in tightly closed, properly labeled containers; follow all regulations for transportation of corrosive solids. Emergency response guide number per DOT, IMDG, or IATA requirements should accompany shipments
U.S. Regulations: Listed on TSCA inventory. Subject to SARA Section 313 reporting for toxic chemicals. OSHA hazard classification: Corrosive. Regulatory thresholds established for workplace exposure, hazardous waste identification, and community right-to-know reporting
European Union: REACH registration required. Classified under CLP as corrosive. Subject to workplace safety and environmental directives
Other International Regulations: Complies with safety and environmental rules in Canada (WHMIS), Australia (AICS), Japan (ENCS)
Label Elements: Signal word “Danger,” pictograms for corrosive and health hazards, full hazard and precautionary statements according to GHS and local regulations
Restrictions: For professional and industrial use only. Not for use in consumer products without appropriate hazard controls
