Phenolsulfonic Acid (65% Solution In Water) - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Phenolsulfonic Acid, 65% solution in water
Synonyms: Benzenesulfonic acid, monohydrate, Sulfonic acid, phenol, 65% aqueous solution
CAS Number: 98-67-9
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, synthesis intermediate, catalyst in chemical processes
Manufacturer: Supplier details available upon request, emergency contact information displayed on container label

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Corrosive to metals, Causes severe skin burns, Causes serious eye damage, Harmful if swallowed, Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), Environmental hazard
Hazard Statements: Causes severe burns to skin and eyes, May cause respiratory irritation, Harmful if ingested or inhaled, Environmental risks with improper disposal
Pictograms: Corrosive symbol, Exclamation mark, Environmental hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid skin and eye contact, Avoid inhalation, Do not eat or drink around material, Use only in areas with proper ventilation, Wear protective gear, Do not release to environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Phenolsulfonic Acid
Concentration: 65%
CAS Number: 98-67-9
Water: Balance of solution
Impurities: Trace levels of phenol and related compounds possible depending on synthesis, potential presence of sodium ion contaminants from manufacturing vessel

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing difficult, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, do not delay, seek medical attention for burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, get medical assistance right away
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never induce vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance, give nothing by mouth to unconscious person
Most Important Symptoms: Pain, redness, blistering, severe irritation or burns to any exposed mucous membrane

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jet which may cause violent splattering
Specific Hazards: May emit toxic fumes under fire conditions including SOx, phenol, and other irritants
Special Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and acid-resistant protective clothing
Instructions: Cool exposed containers with water mist, contain runoff, avoid inhalation of gases released by heating

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, acid-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from reaching sewers, surface water, groundwater, contain spill with diking material
Spill Clean-Up Methods: Neutralize with lime or soda ash, absorb with inert material (sand or earth), collect in labeled waste containers, dispose in line with local regulations
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly with plenty of water after removal of material

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing, avoid inhaling vapors or mists, do not ingest, use acid-resistant gloves and equipment
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, store away from incompatible materials such as bases, oxidizers, strong reducing agents, protect from sunlight and moisture
Storage Containers: Use containers made from compatible materials like glass or certain plastics, label containers clearly and keep upright

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established limit for solution, workplace controls to minimize exposure still needed, use engineering controls such as fume hood
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in workspaces, maintain adequate air flow, install chemical fume scrubbers if necessary
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), full face shield or goggles, lab coat or suit, closed shoes, use of respirator if ventilation inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, remove contaminated clothing right away, do not reuse contaminated gear until washed

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Liquid
Color: Pale yellow to brownish
Odor: Sharp, characteristic phenolic smell
pH: Typically below 1 (strongly acidic)
Boiling Point: Approx. 100–110 °C (dependent on water concentration)
Melting Point: Not applicable (solution)
Solubility: Miscible with water
Density: About 1.22 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure: Not available for solution
Flash Point: Not available
Explosive Properties: Not explosive, may decompose at high temperatures

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, will slowly absorb moisture from air
Possible Reactions: Vigorous reaction with strong bases, strong oxidizers, risk of exotherm with contact to reactive metals or reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, incompatible materials, strong oxidizers, bases, direct sunlight for extended periods
Hazardous Decomposition: Upon decomposition, may release toxic and corrosive gases such as sulfur oxides, phenolic compounds, and vapors

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Corrosive to skin, eyes, mucous membranes, may cause significant damage with direct contact
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Burning pain, blistering, ulcers, eye damage, respiratory distress with inhalation, systemic toxicity possible if ingested
Chronic Effects: Extended exposure can lead to dermatitis, respiratory system damage, sensitization possible with repeated contact
LD50 (oral, rat): 640 mg/kg (for phenolsulfonic acid, indicative value)
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC/OSHA/NTP

Ecological Information

Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with lasting effects, risk for bioaccumulation in water systems, high acidity disrupts local pH
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable, remains in water systems without proper treatment
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility, can move rapidly in case of leak or spill
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for major component, may pose risk for aquatic organisms through pH and toxicity
Other Harmful Effects: Potential to corrode pipes, concrete, environmental hazards from chlorination by-products if mixed with water treatment facilities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose as hazardous chemical waste according to local and national regulations, do not pour down drain, consult licensed professional for chemical waste collection
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers before disposal, puncture and dispose in line with laws regarding hazardous chemical packaging
Precautions: Neutralize before disposal only in approved and permitted facilities, do not mix with incompatible materials in waste

Transport Information

UN Number: 2585 (corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s.)
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s. (contains phenolsulfonic acid)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Use sealed, labeled HDPE or glass containers, keep upright, handle with care to avoid leaks, transport according to ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA rules

Regulatory Information

Classification and Labeling: Follows GHS/CLP rules for corrosives, country-specific regulations may apply regarding permitted volumes and workplace monitoring
Inventory Status: Listed in US TSCA, EU REACH, Canada DSL/NDSL, Japan ENCS, and other international chemical inventories
Workplace Controls: Subject to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requirements, training and labeling required, regular health and safety audits recommended
Environmental Regulations: Covered under water pollution, hazardous substance/waste, chemical accident prevention acts in most countries, restrictions may apply in sensitive zones
Other Statutory Limitations: Review local workplace exposure standards and waste disposal codes for corrosive and environmentally hazardous substances