Product Name: Toluene-4-Sulphonic Acid
Synonyms: p-Toluenesulfonic acid, PTSA, Tosylic acid
CAS Number: 104-15-4
EC Number: 203-180-0
Molecular Formula: C7H8O3S
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact details, address, and emergency phone numbers are usually found on the container label and supplier documentation.
Recommended Use: Often used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, in resins, plasticizers, and as a hardener for various applications.
GHS Classification: Corrosive to skin (Category 1B), Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed.
Pictograms: Corrosive (test-tube pouring on hand and metal), Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H302: Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection. Wash thoroughly after handling. If on skin or in eyes, rinse with plenty of water for several minutes.
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact presents risk.
Chemical Name: Toluene-4-Sulphonic Acid
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities and Stabilizers: Typically minimal, but technical grades could contain slight moisture or residual solvents.
CAS Number: 104-15-4
General Advice: Seek immediate medical help for all routes of exposure.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Keep at rest. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes. Do not attempt to neutralize. Seek medical attention quickly.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently under running water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Get medical aid immediately.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly. Give small amount of water if conscious and alert. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Immediate medical attention required.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray. Avoid direct water jet; risk of spreading material.
Specific Hazards: May emit toxic gases such as sulfur oxides and carbon oxides in a fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Special Procedures: Collect contaminated fire water separately. Avoid discharge to environmental drains.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Use appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and acid-resistant clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage. Do not allow product to enter drains, sewers, or surface water.
Methods for Containment and Cleaning: Cover spills with inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite). Collect spilled material and transfer to suitable, tightly closed container. Avoid creating dust. Ventilate the area before entering.
Safe Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhalation, contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Keep containers tightly closed and dry.
Storage Conditions: Store in corrosion-resistant containers with resistant inner liners. Keep away from moisture, heat, strong bases, and oxidizing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing with acids, bases, oxidizers, or anything reactive with strong acids.
Special Requirements: Ensure secondary containment to prevent environmental release.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for this compound, but keep workplace dust and fumes below general nuisance limits.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, closed process equipment, and provide safety showers and eyewash stations.
Personal Protective Equipment: Acid-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, laboratory coat or apron, and respiratory protection if airborne levels are high.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
Appearance: White to off–white crystalline solid
Odor: Slight, characteristic aromatic odor
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Strongly acidic in aqueous solutions
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 103–106°C (217–223°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >150°C (302°F) (closed cup)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable for solids
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 1.24–1.28 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and other polar solvents
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 106°C, releases toxic fumes.
Viscosity: Not applicable for crystalline solids.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions away from moisture.
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Reacts vigorously with bases, oxidizers, reducing agents. Hydrolysis produces sulfur dioxide.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, storing with incompatible chemicals.
Materials to Avoid: Alkalis, chlorates, nitrates, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Releases sulfur oxides and carbon oxides on burning or decomposition.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 2480 mg/kg. Can cause severe irritation and burns on contact. Harmful if swallowed.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Strongly corrosive to skin. Can cause redness, pain, and blisters.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation and burns. May result in permanent damage.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: No data suggests sensitization, but inhalation of fine dust is hazardous.
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not classified based on available information.
Carcinogenicity: No evidence from studies so far.
Reproductive Toxicity: Not classified for reproductive effects.
STOT-Single Exposure: May cause respiratory tract irritation.
STOT-Repeated Exposure: No conclusive data available.
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified.
Toxicity (Aquatic and Terrestrial): Classified as hazardous to aquatic organisms at high concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions with microbial action.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; does not accumulate in organisms.
Mobility in Soil: High solubility in water. Can move rapidly in moist soil, potentially reaching groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Acidifies local environment if released in large quantities. Avoid uncontrolled environmental release.
Waste Disposal Methods: Handle as hazardous chemical waste. Use a licensed waste contractor for disposal. Neutralize with alkaline materials in controlled settings only. Do not dispose via municipal drains or natural waterways.
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal. Remove all labeling before discarding.
Regulatory Controls: Local and national disposal guidelines for toxic, corrosive chemical substances apply.
UN Number: 2585
UN Proper Shipping Name: p-Toluenesulfonic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: May pose additional transport threat if spilled in bulk near water.
Special Precautions: Clearly mark containers. Secure packaging to prevent rupture or leaks during transport.
Transport Regulations: Adheres to local and international codes for transport of dangerous goods (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA).
Classification and Labeling: Regulated as a hazardous and corrosive chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), European CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.
Inventory Listings: Listed in TSCA (USA), EINECS (Europe), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia).
Safety Data Sheet Requirements: Employers provide access to MSDS for all employees handling the substance.
Other Regulations: Sufficient ventilation, spill response procedures, and personal protective equipment compliance mandated by workplace safety laws. Proper training and hazard communication are essential.
Customs and Import/Export Controls: Subject to hazardous substance reporting and permits depending on destination country regulations.
