Chemical Properties
colourless liquid with a strong and unpleasant odour
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point 130°F. Density 7.5 lb /gal. Insoluble in water. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Inhibitor is usually tert-butyl catechol. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
METHYLSTYRENE polymerizes readily and exothermically [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 961].
Health Hazard
LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed.
Fire Hazard
Flash Point (°F): 137 ℃, 125 ℃; Flammable Limits in Air (%): 0.8-11; Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water fog, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical; Fire Extinguishing Agents Not To Be Used: Not pertinent; Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Not pertinent; Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode or rupture in fires due to polymerization; Ignition Temperature (°F): 914; Electrical Hazard: Not pertinent; Burning Rate: 6.0 mm/min.
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Slow at ordinary temperatures but when hot may rupture container. Also polymerized by metal salts such as those of iron or aluminum; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Tertiary Butylcatechol (typically 10 to 50 ppm).
Potential Exposure
(mixed isomers): Vinyl toluene is
used in copolymers and as specialty monomer for paint,
varnish, and polyester preparations; as a solvent and an
organic intermediate.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Do not induce vomiting.
Shipping
UN2618 Vinyltoluenes, stabilized, Hazard Class:
3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture
with air. Violent reaction with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or
explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong
bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, catalysts for vinyl
polymerization, such as peroxides, strong acids; iron or
aluminum salts. Usually inhibited with tert-butylcatechol
to prevent polymerization.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Carcinogenicity
The IARC has determined that there is
evidence suggesting the lack of carcinogenicity of vinyltoluene in experimental animals and
inadequate evidence in humans.
