Sodium 4-Methylbenzenesulfonate: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Sodium 4-Methylbenzenesulfonate
Chemical Formula: C7H7SO3Na
Synonyms: Sodium p-Toluenesulfonate, Sodium 4-Toluenesulfonate
CAS Number: 657-84-1
Recommended Use: Used in organic synthesis, surfactant formulations, and as an intermediate
Manufacturer Information: Please refer to packaging or invoice for distributor details
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or physician for assistance in emergencies

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS): Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Label Elements: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract on prolonged contact
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Statements: May cause discomfort if inhaled or when in contact with eyes or skin for extended periods
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, wash after handling, use protective gear, keep away from children and animals
Other Hazards: Produces irritating fumes if involved in a fire, exercise general laboratory caution

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium 4-Methylbenzenesulfonate
Purity: Greater than 99%
Impurities: Minor organic or sodium salts
Other Ingredients: None significant, intended for chemical, laboratory, or industrial processes

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Removed affected person to fresh air, encourage slow, deep breaths, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, do not reuse unless laundered, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with clean water for several minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contacts if possible, seek medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, consult a healthcare provider promptly
Important Symptoms: Redness, mild irritation, coughing, sneezing
Notes for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment, monitor for respiratory or allergic reactions

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder for small fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread material and should be avoided in large quantities
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases sulfur oxides, sodium oxides, and organic vapors
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective gloves, and clothing
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Approach upwind, contain runoff to prevent entry into water systems, cool containers with water spray
Other Advice: Remove non-involved persons from the area, provide emergency medical aid as necessary

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, safety goggles, dust mask, prevent contact with skin or eyes
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to drains, surface water, or ground water, contain spill with inert absorbent
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up and place in suitable closed container for disposal, ventilate area, wash spill area with water after removal
Preventative Actions: Avoid spillage, minimize dust generation, use secondary containment where possible

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, prevent formation of dust, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, keep away from strong acids and oxidizing agents, avoid temperature extremes
Other Storage Considerations: Keep container upright, avoid mechanical shock, ensure storage area is free from ignition sources, lock storage as appropriate

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize exposure, keep air concentrations below occupational exposure limits if available
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, lab coat or apron, and dust mask or respirator as the situation warrants
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, wash hands before breaks and at end of workday, change contaminated clothing promptly
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits for this compound established by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or solid
Odor: Odorless or faint aromatic odor
pH (in solution): 7.0 to 9.0 (in water)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 300 °C
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at ambient temperature
Relative Density: Approximately 1.27 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Evaporation Rate: Not meaningful for solid material
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, preserves integrity in original packaging
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flame, direct sunlight, and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, strong bases can produce hazardous products
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, sodium oxide, potentially harmful aromatic smoke and vapors
Reactivity: Generally low, not known to polymerize or self-react
Other Data: Stable with most common storage and handling protocols

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) estimated above 2000 mg/kg, indicates low acute toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible with extended or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause irritation, redness, and watering
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may cause coughing or mild respiratory tract irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No known mutagenic effects based on available data
Chronic Toxicity: No reports of long-term health effects in humans with proper handling
Other Toxic Effects: Persons with allergies may experience sensitivity reactions; seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic life, but large releases may disrupt aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Compound may remain in surface water for extended periods, microbial degradation expected over time
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, substance is expected to not accumulate in biological tissues
Mobility in Soil: Water-soluble, may migrate in the environment if released in large quantities
Other Effects: Avoid wide release, best practice involves responsible chemical management to minimize spills and runoff

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, use licensed chemical waste disposal contractors
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and recycle or dispose of empty containers as hazardous waste if previously filled with this material
Special Precautions: Do not dump in drains, water systems, or general waste streams
Other Information: Handling by qualified personnel assures lower risk to human health and the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most international guidelines
Proper Shipping Name: Not listed as a hazardous material
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage during transport, keep shipment documentation with contents marked clearly

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA hazard communication standard
TSCA Status: Listed in TSCA inventory
SARA Title III Sections 302/304: Not subject to reporting requirements
SARA Title III Section 313: Not regulated
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Other Regulations: Subject to general chemical safety and labeling requirements in the country of use
Workplace Classification: Ensure staff understand proper protocols, regular training recommended in chemical management