Toluene

Synonyms & Trade Names

Methyl benzene, Methyl benzol, Phenyl methane, Toluol

CAS No.

108-88-3

RTECS No.

XS5250000

DOT ID & Guide

1294 130

Formula

C₆H₅CH₃

Conversion

1 ppm = 3.77 mg/m³

IDLH

500 ppm
See: 108883

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m³) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m³)

OSHA PEL

TWA 200 ppm C 300 ppm 500 ppm (10-minute maximum peak) See Appendix G

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 1500 , 1501 , 3800 , 4000;
OSHA 111
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.

Molecular Weight

92.1

Boiling Point

232°F

Freezing Point

-139°F

Solubility

(74°F): 0.07%

Vapor Pressure

21 mmHg

Ionization Potential

8.82 eV

Specific Gravity

0.87

Flash Point

40°F

Upper Explosive Limit

7.1%

Lower Explosive Limit

1.1%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

irritation eyes, nose; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache; dilated pupils, lacrimation (discharge of tears); anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia; paresthesia; dermatitis; liver, kidney damage

Target Organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

Toluene

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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